Tomic and Josic: Trial to Begin on August 31

The trial of Ljuba Tomic and Krsta Josic for crimes committed in Zvornik will begin on August 31, it was agreed at a status conference in the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The indictment will be read on that date and opening arguments presented.

Both defendants are charged by the Prosecution with participating in the murder of three civilians in the village of Kozluk, municipality of Zvornik, “by shooting with firearms” as members of the Army of Republika Srpska, on June 26, 1992.

During the presentation of evidence, the Prosecution announced the examination of five witnesses and one forensic expert, and enclose several pieces of material evidence.

“On orders from the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina took over this case from another prosecution. Since they were conducting an investigation, I assume that I would need an hour to examine the witnesses, and two for the expert. I think that the presentation of evidence by the Prosecution can be finished in a total of 12 hours,” said Prosecutor Adnan Gulamovic.

The defendants’ attorneys said that they were “in contact with about a dozen witnesses” who should be summonsed to testify and that they would enclose several pieces of material evidence.

“For my defendant I believe we will examine eight witnesses, maybe one more or less. We would need an hour or two to examine each of them. We would enclose a smaller number of material evidence,” said Nenad Rebez, who represents Krsto Josic.

Presiding Judge Vesna Jasenkovic warned the defendants, who are on parole, that they are obliged to attend the main hearings.