Trial of Bosniak Fighters Accused of Civilian Abuse Begins

They are charged with the illegal arrest of Croat civilians, including children, women, and the elderly. They allegedly held civilians in detention camps in Potoci, where many were abused.

The Bosnian state prosecution alleges at the time the alleged crimes occurred Curic was a member of the 49th Mountain Brigade of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as the manager of detention facilities in Potoci. Demirovic was Commander of the 47th Mountain Brigade of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Kreso was Chief of the Medical Unit with the Military Unit of the Mountain Brigade, which was active in the Bijelo Polje area. Copelj and Kaminic were members of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“We will prove that they are guilty and that they knew what they were doing,” said prosecutor Stanko Blagic.

According to Blagic, an unknown Bosnian Army soldier in Demorivoc’s brigade killed three prisoners while they were forced to work. According to Blagic, another prisoner died while digging trenches.

Demirovic is also charged with raping a female detainee in Potoci.

“Witness B will confirm that Demirovic raped her several times,” said Blagic.

Defense attorney Kenan Ademovic said he would prove Curic’s innocence, and Demirovic’s defence said the same thing.

Defendant Kreso said that couldn’t understand why he was being charged.

“The witness testimonies make it clear that I’m not guilty,” he said.

Defense attorney Senad Dupovac said that Kaminic has been charged with only one crime – of hitting a prisoner in the stomach while detained at the Potoci school.

The first witness will testify on March 3.