Vlatko Jarak Verdict Expected Friday

On Friday, May 29, the cantonal court in Mostar will hand down its verdict against Vlatko Jarak, a former member of the Croatian Defense Council, who’s been charged with war crimes in the Stolac area.

In its closing statement, the cantonal prosecution asked the court to find Jarak guilty, while the defense called for a verdict of release.

Jarak, a former member of the First Croatian Defense Council Brigade Knez Domagoj, has been charged with participating in the forcible resettlement and unlawful detention of Bosniaks from the Stolac area in July and August 1993.

Prior to the presentation of closing statements, Niko Antunovic testified for the defense. He said he was with Jarak on July 13, 1993, and that on that date they met Mujo Avdic, Dzevad Avdic and Maid Rudic, who were armed.

“I said, ‘People, let’s make an agreement. Nobody will do harm anyone. Just hand over your weapons.’ At first Mujo didn’t want to put his rifle away. I asked him and so did his brother. They handed their weapons over eventually. We escorted them to Raguz’s house, where they had something to eat. The Avdic brothers each had a glass of beer. Their parents and wives came. They spoke to them. Later on two policemen came and took them away,” Antunovic said.

Antunovic said he didn’t know where the policemen took the Avdics and Rudic to.

“We were just ordinary soldiers. I was with Vlatko all the time. We were tasked with going to front lines, but we never received an order to search Muslim houses,” Antunovic said.

Antunovic also said that nobody mistreated, shot at or threatened the captives.
Antunovic said he knew Jarak from before the war, and said he believed he’d never hit a man who was tied up.

“I can’t believe that. I’ve never seen him hit anybody,” Antunovic said.

The verdict is scheduled for May 29.