Witnesses Describe Abduction and Abuse at Vlasenko and Koncar Trial

Rade Vlasenko, Mitar Vlasenko and Drago Koncar, all former members of the Bosnian Serb Army, have been charged with killing eight civilians who were hiding in the ruins of a house in Kozarac. The murder was committed in June 1992. The youngest victim was 17 years old.

State prosecution witness Sefik Mahmuljin testified at today’s hearing. He said Bosnian Serb Army soldiers abducted from his house in Kozarusa on May 26, 1992. He said he was taken to a house owned by Mitar Vlasenko’s parents, along with his brother and two other neighbours. He said they met Rade Vlasenko on the way.

Mahmuljin said a soldier slapped him in front of the house, and that they were abused and threatened with death. He said he recognized all of the defendants among the soldiers.

Mahmuljin said Drago Koncar and three other soldiers to a house in Jaruge. After another group of Bosniak civilians came, Koncar told them they could go.

Mahmuljin recognized Mitar Vlasenko in the courtroom. He said Rade Vlasenko went to his son’s house a few days ago, looking for him.

The state prosecution called for Mitar Vlasenko to placed into custody for attempting to influence a witness.

Ferid Mahmuljin, Sefik Mahmuljin’s brother, also testified at this hearing. Mahmuljin confirmed he was also abducted from the basement of his home and taken to the house of Mitar Vlasenko’s parents.

“I saw Mitar Vlasenko and Dragan…Rade Vlasenko was also there,” Mahmuljin said.

He said that after they met another group, Koncar told them they were free to go.

Asked whether the Koncar was the soldier who let them go, Mahmuljin said it “had to be him.”

Mahmuljin said that his brother was taken to the Trnopolje detention camp and he was taken to the Omarska detention camp.

The trial continues on November 24.