Ranko and Rajko Vukovic: Retrial Begins

The retrial of the Vukovic brothers, who are charged with crimes against humanity committed in the Foca area in 1992, began before the Appellate Chamber of the State Court with the reading of the indictment.

Prosecutor Behaija Krnjic said he would base his evidence “on the evidence that was presented earlier”, adding that on the basis of this evidence the Court would, beyond reasonable doubt, find the indictees guilty.

Defence attorney Senad Kreho said he would refute “the allegations contained in the indictment on the basis of an alibi”, adding that he would therefore probably “introduce some new pieces of evidence”.

In February 2008 a first-instance verdict was pronounced, sentencing each of the Vukovic brothers to 12 years’ imprisonment. The first-instance Trial Chamber determined that the two men were guilty of killing Avdija Hukara and Mejra Bekrija in Podkolun village, Foca Municipality, in May 1992. By the same verdict Ranko Vukovic was acquitted of the charges that he raped one woman.

Seven months later, upholding the appeals filed by the Defence, the Appellate Chamber revoked the first-instance verdict and ordered a retrial.

At this hearing the Appellate Chamber listened to statements of the first Prosecution witnesses, Bajro and Zahida Hukara, who testified in the first-instance trial about the murder of two civilians in Podkolun village, claiming that they recognized the Vukovic brothers among the soldiers who were there on that day.

The next hearing is due to take place on April 8, 2009.