Killings in Sijekovac

“Somebody told me to pull down the shutters that day. I heard that some men were killed. Later on I found out that they were members of the Zecevic, Milosevic and Radanovic families. Civilians from that street, mostly women, were in my house later on,” Tomas told investigative bodies in Croatia last year.

The witness said that he was not able to see what was happening outside, but he heard shooting.

“After the shooting Zemir came with the women and stayed for about half an hour. Milka said that neighbours had killed those men. I asked her which neighbours and she said mine,” Tomas said.   
 
Zemir Kovacevic, former member of the Interventions Squad with the First Bosanski Brod Brigade of the Croatian Defence Council, HVO, is charged with having committed crimes, acting in collaboration with other unidentified members of the Croatian Defence Forces, HOS, and Croatian Army, HV, against Serb civilians in Sijekovac village on March 26, 1992.  

The indictment alleges that Kovacevic, who was accompanied by other men, participated in the attack on Sijekovac village, where he took 15 adults and four Serb children, some of whom were killed, from their houses to a courtyard.

Witness Tomas’ statement was read after court medicine expert Hamza Zujo determined that his appearance in the courtroom might be fatal given the fact that he suffered from numerous diseases.

Although the Defence objected to the reading of this witness’ statement, the Trial Chamber accepted the court expert’s opinion.  
 
“The events that happened in Niko Tomas’ house were presented in different ways at the trial in terms of who was accompanied by whom and when each person arrived. For this reason the Defence insists on examining Tomas. In case the Court does not accept that, we shall make a proposal to examine another household member,” Defence attorney Senad Dupovac said.

Prosecutor Dika Omerovic informed the Chamber that she gave up examining seven planned witnesses due to better efficiency of the trial.

“Other witnesses have already testified about those circumstances. The Prosecution is getting close to ending the presentation of its evidence,” Omerovic said.

The trial is due to continue on August 28.