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“Military organisation rests of those principles. In order for the commander to be responsible, the unit must be subordinate to him,” said Asim Dzambasovic, responding to questions by the Defence of indictee Zulfikar Alispago.
Dzambasovic, who testified as Senad Hakalovic’s Defence expert, said that, thanks to documents, he found out that soldiers from Vakuf, members of the 45th Brigade and a part of “Zulfikar” Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina, ABiH, participated in an attack on Trusina on April 16, 1993, when murders of Croats were committed.
According to the charges, 18 civilians and four members of the Croatian Defence Council, HVO, were killed in Trusina. The expert witness said that Trusina was in the zone of responsibility of the 45th Brigade.
When asked by Alispago how he knew that those units were not subordinate, the expert witness said that a document confirming it would have been issued.
“Those units participated in combat activities in Trusina, but they were not subordinate to the Command of the 45th Brigade. There is no evidence about subordination,” Dzambasovic said.
According to the expert witness’ testimony, a person could not take over the control over units, which were assigned to him in order to assist in combats.
The indictment alleges that Alispago, former Commander of “Zulfikar” Unit, “failed to undertake the necessary and reasonable measures” to punish his subordinates, who committed crimes.
Alispago and Hakalovic are on trial, along with Mensur Memic, Dzevad Salcin, Nedzad Hodzic and Nihad Bojadzic. Hakalovic was member of the 45th Brigade, while the other indictees were members of “Zulfikar” Unit.
Following the examination of the expert witness, the Defence of Hakalovic should include its material evidence in the case file.
After that the Defence of Hodzic is due to begin presenting its evidence, but his attorneys requested that Hodzic be subjected to an expert examination at a psychiatry clinic, claiming that he was insane and mentally sick person.
As the Trial Chamber rejected the proposal, the Defence then requested its exemption. It will submit a written request in the upcoming days.
Hodzic underwent an expert examination recently, but the Defence does not accept its findings, because it was conducted in the Detention Facility.
