Witness Describes Being Assaulted by Former Bosnian Serb Soldier Goran Mrdja in Sanski Most

The state prosecution has charged Goran Mrdja, Milorad Mrdja, Ranko Mrdja and Mile Kokot, all former members of the Sixth Sanska Infantry Brigade of the Bosnian Serb Army, with participating in crimes against Bosniaks in the Sanski Most area from 1992 to 1994.

State prosecution witness Safet Drobic said he was forced to become a member of a Bosnian Serb Army work squad in Grabez in 1994. Drobic said Goran Mrdja ordered him to stand against a wall and pretended to throw a grenade at him, before beating him.

On a separate occasion, Drobic said he was visiting his neighbour, Muharem Jakupovic, in Sanski Most, when Goran and Milorad Mrdja broke through the door. He said they beat Jakupovic and two female family members.

Drobic said the defendants wore ski masks but he could recognize their voices.

“I was in Chievo when I heard my father had problems with Goran, he beat him up,” Drobic said.

During cross examination, Drobic said he had no problems with Milorad Mrdja.

A state prosecution witness named Omer Drobic also testified at today’s hearing. He said Milorad Mrdja and Goran Mrdja, nicknamed Kinez, moved into houses next to his during the war. He said he was also beaten by Goran Mrdja.

“Milorad Mrdja was the main guy. I saw him holding a rifle,” Drobic said. s

Drobic also recalled a night he spent in Muharem Jakupovic’s house.

“I heard Kinez [Goran Mrdja] wanted money and gold from Zumra and Dzemila,” Drobic said. He said he didn’t see Mrdja but recognized his voice.

Drobic also confirmed that his son Safet was beaten up while he was labouring as part of a work squad in Grabez.

The trial continues on December 28.