Neuropsychiatrist Presents Findings on Health of Witness at Radisic Trial

Pero Radisic, a former commander of a work squad of the Teslicka Brigade of the Bosnian Serb Army, has been charged with participating in the abuse of Bosniak civilians in Teslic from 1992 to 1995.

He has been charged with taking several persons to locations where they performed forced labour. While working on the the frontlines, at least six civilians were killed and some were wounded.

Neuropsychiatrist Ibrahim Omerhodzic testified at today’s hearing. Omerhodzic said he reviewed the medical documentation of a state prosecution witness named Fadila Sivic, and concluded that her health was deteriorating. He advised against having Sivic take long trips.

“Unless her testimony is of crucial importance, it would be nice to spare her from testifying. This is an elderly patient, who has suffered several strokes. She has diabetes and high blood pressure. She can speak and understand questions. She seems conscious,” Omerhodzic said.

Omerhodzic said the witness could remember, with slight effort, what had happened in the past. He said her life was not endangered.

The prosecution proposed that witness Sivic’s statement be read in court instead. The defense objected to this proposal, and said since her life was not endangered she was capable of giving another statement.

The trial chamber decided that Sivic would be examined at her place of residence.

Following Omerhodzic’s examination, a status conference was held. During the status conference the defense said it would examine eight witnesses, including two protected witnesses. The defense also said it would include material evidence in the case file.

The date of the next hearing will be set at a later stage.