Karadzic: Closed Session

Karadzic, former President of Republika Srpska, RS, is on trial before The Hague Tribunal for the persecution of Bosniaks and Croats in 20 municipalities all over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
 
The indictment against Karadzic alleges that the persecution, which included, among other things, unlawful detention, torture and murder committed in seven Bosnian municipalities reached the scale of genocide.
 
As previously announced by The Hague Prosecution, protected witnesses KDZ-492 and KDZ-490 were due to testify during this week.
 
Testimonies given at closed sessions are the highest level of protection of identity of witnesses appearing before The Hague Tribunal.
 
Karadzic is charged with committing genocide against Bosniaks in Srebrenica, terrorising Sarajevo citizens by long-lasting artillery and sniper attacks and taking international forces officers hostages in the period between 1992 and 1995.
 
Addressing journalists at The Hague, Serge Brammertz, Chief Prosecutor of the Hague Prosecution, said that the presentation of evidence related to the persecution of Bosniaks and Croats throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina would soon be completed.
 
Brammertz said that the presentation of evidence about genocide committed against more than 7,000 Bosniaks from Srebrenica might begin in November this year.
 
Brammertz further said that Karadzic’s trial went as planned, adding that the Prosecution would be able to complete the presentation of evidence in May next year, i.e. within the time-frame set by the Trial Chamber.
 
KDZ-492 and KDZ-490 are the 119th and 120th Prosecution witnesses at Karadzic’s trial. The Court has held sessions during 216 working days since the beginning of the trial in late October 2009.
 
The trial of Karadzic is due to continue on Thursday, October 20 this year.

R.M.