Bastah et al: Negotiations Underway

The Defence attorney of Predrag Bastah, one of the indictees charged with crimes committed in Vlasenica, said he would “continue negotiating with the State Prosecution, but, for the time being, it is unlikely” that an agreement will be reached.

Besides Bastah, a former member of the reserve police forces, the State Prosecution charges Goran Viskovic, a former member of the Republika Srpska Army, VRS, with crimes committed in Vlasenica in 1992 and “actions which contributed to and strengthened the abuse and persecution system in detention camps” on the territory of this municipality.

At the hearing held on March 12 the Defence announced that, after almost nine months, its client had “expressed a wish” to enter into negotiations “concerning an eventual guilt admission agreement”. The Trial Chamber approved this proposal.

In the meantime, Luka Stupar and Rade Milic, former members of the reserve police forces in Vlasenica, were questioned as Defence witnesses of the first indictee.

“I was tasked with maintaining the vehicles. I did not patrol, but I know that there were patrols. I think that they were composed of reserve and active policemen. I suppose that active policemen led the patrols,” Stupar said.

The witness said that reserve policemen could not arbitrarily detain civilians, adding that he “did not know that any Bosniak civilians were detained”.

Rado Milic said that he “did not know” that Bosniaks were detained in Susica detention camp or police station, adding that he “did not watch where the people were going”.

Both witnesses said that reserve policemen “did not have any competencies” and they were commanded by Radenko Stanic.

The Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina argues that Radenko Stanic, former commander of the Police Station in Vlasenica, and four other people committed crimes on the territory of this municipality.
 
The next hearing is due to take place on March 19, 2009.