Custody Extension for Nedzad Hodzic Requested

The State Prosecution filed the custody extension motion due to a possibility that suspect Hodzic might attempt to flee. “Nedzad Hodzic receives a disability benefit, which he can receive anywhere in the world. He has two children. His wife is unemployed. His relatives in Sandzak are well-off. Also, he is registered Novi Pazar, Serbia, as his place of residence. These things are sufficient to motivate him to leave Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Prosecutor Vesna Budimir said.The Defence of the suspect objected to the custody extension motion due to the suspect’s health condition.
Prosecutor Budimir pointed out that the Prosecution objected to prohibiting measures. Nedzad Hodzic was arrested due to existence of grounds for suspicion that he committed war crimes in Hadzici and Konjic in his capacity as member of the “Zulfikar” Special Purposes Squad with the Main Command Headquarters of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, ARBiH, in the period from January to August 1993. The Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina alleges that Hodzic committed crimes against Serb detainees in “Silos” and “Krupa” detention camps and Croat victims in “Musala” detention camp in Konjic. Mithat Koco, Defence attorney of the suspect, requested exemption of Trial Chamber Chairwoman Vesna Jesenkovic and judge Stanisa Gluhajic, because he doubted their impartiality in making a decision concerning the custody extension motion. “You have been working on this case for three years, so you have a deep insight into my suspect’s incrimination,” Koco said. Hodzic is on currently on trial, along with five other ABiH members, for having committed crimes in Trusina, near Konjic. The presentation of Defence’s evidence is underway at present. The trial began in June 2010. The decision about the request for the exemption of the judges will be made at a later stage.