Verdict against Drazo Lakic Due November 4

Presenting her closing statement, Prosecutor Sanja Guzina said that Lakic’s responsibility for the murder of civilians had been proved.  

“The indictee was a member of the ‘Vukovi sa Vucijaka’ military unit. Their Commander Veljko Milankovic was wounded and died on February 14. He was buried on February 17. After that the Unit became disorderly. Lakic and two persons known to him used the situation and went to Alilovic’s house one day after the burial. Robbery was not their only motive, considering the fact that money was left in the killed man’s hand,” Guzina said. 

Lakic’s Defence attorney Jadranka Ivankovic pointed out that the District Court in Banja Luka was “not competent for this process”, adding that “the District Prosecution in Banja Luka has not contacted the Court and Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina at all”.  

“The Prosecution has not proved the allegations contained in the indictment. I am calling on the Court to pronounce the only fair verdict and acquit my client, who did not commit the crimes charged upon him,” Ivankovic said.  

According to the charges, Lakic, who was accompanied by two armed persons, came to A.P.’s house, where seven persons were present. They hit the household members with their rifle butts and legs, asking for money. The indictment alleged that, when Alilovic went to another room in order to bring money, Lakic followed him and killed him.