Local Justice – Trninic: Absolute Expiry of Limitation Period

Trial Chamber Chairwoman Vesna Stankovic-Cosovic said that the Chamber did not accept the qualification pleaded by the Prosecution. The judge said that the witnesses told the Court that the indictee beat Purivatra up, causing him severe bodily injuries, but, in the Trial Chamber’s opinion, “the limitation period has absolutely expired” in this case.

The indictment, which was represented by the Prosecution, alleges that, on August 6, 1993 Trninic, former policeman from Gradiska, came to Purivatra’s house in Rovine village, near Gradiska, beat Purivatra up and left. It further alleges that he came back to the house and beat him once more. Purivatra died on the following day due to injuries caused by that beating. 

Following the pronouncement of the verdict, Branko Mitrovic, District Prosecutor from Banja Luka, said he was not satisfied with the ruling, because this was “a clear case”. He announced that he would file an appeal.

G.O.