Luka Majstorovic Retrial Begins

Last year the Supreme Court of Republika Srpska repealed a verdict handed down by the district court of Eastern Sarajevo on February 2, 2015, and ordered a retrial. According to that verdict, Majstorovic was acquitted of charges of crimes committed in the Kula Penal and Correctional Facility.

At today’s hearings, both the prosecution and the defense said they stuck to their previous claims. The defense included an identification report by witness Salko Zolj in the case file as evidence, which the prosecution considered unlawful. The defense is obliged to submit the original document to the court.

With the consent of all parties, the trial chamber said it accepted all the testimony previously given by prosecution and defense witnesses, as well as material evidence.

The indictment alleges that Majstorovic, a former investigator, treated a Bosniak civilian in an inhumane manner and intentionally caused the civilian bodily pain and anguish at the Kula Penal and Correctional Facility. During the war he was an operational officer with the Crime Service of the Public Safety Station in Novo Sarajevo.

The presentation of closing statements by the prosecution and defense is scheduled for February 24.