Treated in a Correct Manner in Batkovic

He said that, while he was working in an agricultural field in the vicinity of Janja, he was apprehended for an informative interview in a school in Hase on June 15, 1994. As he said, he was examined and beaten in a school classroom and then taken to Lopare. 

“I was taken from Lopare to Batkovic some time in October 1994. When I arrived, the detention camp was almost empty. Four of five detainees were held in it. At that time a replacement of the entire staff of Batkovic was underway. The prison Commander and his Deputy were extremely kind to us,” Skokic said.

He specified that he was among 500 other detainees, who were brought to the detention camp, and that another group of 500 people came soon after that. He said that those were mainly the local residents from Janja, near Bijeljina.

According to his testimony, detainees were allowed to go to the town or home.  

“People even volunteered to go out to perform labour,” said Skokic, who was exchanged just before the New Year.

The Bjeljina District Prosecution charges Djoko Pajic, Petar Dimitrovic, Djordje Krstic and Ljubomir Misic, with crimes against civilians, the wounded and prisoners of war in Batkovic detention camp in the period from 1992 to 1994. 

According to the charges, Dmitrovic was Manager of the detention camp until January 1993, when Pajic took over. Pajic performed the function until June 1994. The indictment alleges that Krstic was Deputy Manager of the detention camp, while Misic was leader of guards.

Witness Jusuf Skokic, who was brought to Batkovic in 1994, testified at this hearing as well. He said that he was not mistreated during his stay in the detention camp. 

None of the two witnesses recognised any of the indictees. 

The main trial is due to continue on September 11.