Gazdic: Beginning of Trial

“Through the examination of witnesses and presentation of material evidence, the Prosecution will prove that Gazdic, former member of the military force of the Serbian Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, committed rape, by sexually enslaving a minor person, and, applying physical abuse, enabled other soldiers to commit rape,” State Prosecutor Behaija Krnjic said.

In his introductory statement Krnjic said that he would prove that Gazdic was guilty of crimes against humanity through the examination of witnesses and presentation of material evidence.

“Once we have presented our evidence, the Trial Chamber will have a basis for rendering a lawful decision about the sentence against the indictee,” Krnjic said.

Presenting his introductory statement, Dusko Tomic, Defence attorney of indictee Gazdic, said that the Defence would examine all individuals, whom the indictment mentioned as accomplices.

“My concept of defence is proving the truth. My client said that he had nothing to do with this. Should some evidence, showing that he committed the crimes, appear, I will suggest to him to admit guilt,” Tomic said.
Indictee Gazdic addressed the Court and said that he agreed with his Defence attorney.

“I agree that the witnesses, who were present at that time, be invited. Whom else can I invite to testify, except for the people, who were there,” Gazdic said.

Prior to the presentation of introductory statements the Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina read the indictment, charging Gazdic with having raped several Bosniaks, including twelve-year old girls.

The Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina charges Gazdic, former member of the Republika Srpska Army, VRS, with having treated Bosniak females, who were unlawfully held in “Partizan” sports hall in Foca, in an inhumane manner from the beginning of April 1992 to the end of March 1993.

“In June 1992 Gazdic took twelve-year old witness A from Partizan sports hall to an apartment, ordered her to bathe, hit her with his fist on her head, which made her partially faint, and raped her,” the indictment alleges.

Under the indictment, Gazdic is charged with having sexually enslaved a minor female and raped other female persons, who had been taken away, and enabled other persons to rape them, while threatening them and using weapons.

Gazdic has been held in custody since April 21 this year.

The examination of first prosecution witnesses is due to take place on December 6 this year.