Bosnian Policemen Charged with Illegally Detaining Serbs

The prosecution on Monday charged ex-policemen charged Ibro Merkez, Predrag Bogunic and Esef Huric of committing crimes against the Serb civilians who were aged from seven to 70 years old when they were detained in Gorazde during wartime.

According to the charges, Merkez was the police chief in Gorazde from May to August 1993, Bogunic held the same position from August 1992 to February 1993 and Huric was the commander of one of the police stations in Gorazde.

“In 1992 the defendants, through their subordinates in the police forces, held over 70 Serb civilians in four apartments in Gorazde,” said the prosecution in a statement.

Over 35 civilians were also illegally held in police premises in Gorazde from July 1992 to February 1993, the prosecution alleged.

“Bogunic is charged with the illegal detention of 31 civilians from the village of Bucje in police premises, and the illegal holding of an additional four civilians with this group, while Huric was in charge of holding these persons and organizing their security,” it said.

The charges allege that the civilians were held in inhumane and unhygienic conditions, which caused them physical pain and suffering.

“The civilians did not have access to medical aid, which worsened their health condition, so much so that one person tried to commit suicide and died in hospital after this attempt. Four other people died right after they were released from police premises,” said the indictment.

Merkez charged with not allowing civilians to hide in a basement while there was shelling in the summer of 1992, and one person died and three were injured as a result.

The indictment was sent to the court for confirmation.