Local Justice – Sarajevo: Ceco Sentenced to Two Years

Ceco, former member of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina, ABiH, was found guilty of having physically abused, in collaboration with two other soldiers, Serb civilians, who were digging trenches in the Dobrinja neighbourhood on September 18, 1992 after Ranko Kasikovic, who was also a member of the Working Squad, had fled.

“In the basement of the local community building, Ceco, who wore his military boots, kicked Slobodan Vucicevic, who received severe bodily injuries, rib fractures and numerous bruises,” said Trial Chamber Chairwoman Dalida Burzic.

She said that the verdict was based on Prosecution’s evidence and statements given by Defence witnesses, who indirectly confirmed the injured party’s testimony.

Ceco was pronounced guilty of physically abusing three more civilians.

Burzic pointed out that, although he was charged according to the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ceco was sentenced according to the Criminal Code of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, SFRY, because the Chamber determined that the latter Code was more favourable for the perpetrator.

Injured party Vucicevic has been advised to file a civil suit.

The parties have the right to file an appeal against this verdict with the Supreme Court of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A.S.