Local Justice – Hadzic and Hodzic: A Request for Exemption of the Trial Chamber

Osman Mulahalilovic, the defence attorney of Hodzic Nijaz, filed the request for exemption of the Trial Chamber, emphasizing that he believes that the Chamber can not provide a “fair trial and right to defense of the indictees”.

“Since the Court did not allow me to see and copy the files that are in their possession – and parts of which are used for indictment of Nijaz Hadzic and Galib Hodzic – I request an exemption of this Chamber”, said Mulahalilovic.

Given the requirement of Hodzic’s Defence, Nijazija Kalender, the presiding judge, said that he will, in accordance with law, delay the hearing, until President of the Basic Court in Brcko brings the decision.

The indictment alleges that Hadzic and Hodzic participated in the torture and inhumane treatment of Serb civilians and prisoners of war from the Bukvik area, Brcko District during 1992 and 1993.

The Prosecution alleges that Hadzic was member of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and crime inspector with the Public Safety Station in Brcko and Hodzic was military policeman with the Croatian Defence Council, HVO, who worked as security guard in detention camps – collection centres at the time.

The further continuation of the trial of Hodzic and Hadzic will be scheduled at a later date.M.A.