Local Justice – Ostojic: Hague Convict’s Testimony Postponed

The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina established a video link with the Court in Milan, where Nikolic had previously been examined. His face could not be seen and he did not say anything. The Court said that Nikolic was available to testify, but it was still not possible to do it, because the conditions he had previously set had not been fulfilled.

“Nikolic confirms that he is available to testify, but he requests the full protection of his voice and face,” the Milan Court said.

After he had admitted guilt, The Hague Tribunal sentenced Dragan Nikolic, known as Jenki, former Commander of Susica detention camp, to 20 years in prison in 2005, pronouncing him guilty of murders, rape and the beating of people.

The Milan Court said that Nikolic wanted to consult with his attorney.

“His requests, the special permit from The Hague, cannot be fulfilled at present, which means that we are terminating the video conference. We shall contact you via the State Ministry,” the Court said.

Zenaida Husic, Chairwoman of the Trial Chamber with the District Court in Eastern Sarajevo, said that the trial of Ostojic would be postponed for an indefinite period of time, until the Court had received an official note about Nikolic’s requests.

Zarije Ostojic is on trial before the District Court in Eastern Sarajevo for crimes against the civilian population. It was originally planned that Nikolic would testify in defence of the indictee via video link established with the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The District Prosecution charges Zarije Ostojic, former member of reserve police forces with the Special Unit of the Public Safety Station in Vlasenica, with having participated in the beating of civilians in Susica detention camp during the course of 1992.

It is alleged that Ostojic, who acted jointly with other members of that formation, took Bosniaks out of the Susica detention camp and hit them with police batons, gun butts, hands and legs.
A.S.