Mato Martic Trial Resumes After Delay

After delays caused by the defendant’s poor health, the Mato Martic trial began again at the cantonal court in Zenica. The trial has been postponed several times due to Martic’s health problems.

At today’s hearing testimony from previously examined witnesses was read aloud in the courtroom.

Martic, a former soldier with the Croatian Defense Council (HVO), has been charged with escorting a group of about ten captured Bosnian Army soldiers from a school in Perkovici to HVO combat positions in the Zepce area in July 1993. He allegedly forced them to crawl in mud, assaulted them and wounded two captives.

Witnesses were last examined in November of last year. Three defense witnesses have yet to be examined.

The defense said Martic would undergo extensive medical therapy next month. As a result, the trial was postponed until May 11.