Bosnian Serb Brigade Commander Tried for Crimes Against Humanity
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Miladin Trifunovic went on trial at the Bosnian state court on Tuesday, accused of allowing commanders of units subordinate to him to issue orders to the management of the Planjina Kuca prison in Vogosca to take away detained Bosniak civilians and use them as forced labourers on front lines.
The prosecution alleges that Trifunovic, in his capacity as commander of the Vogosca Brigade of the Bosnian Serb Army, issued at least five orders for civilians to be taken from Planjina Kuca, although he knew that combat was ongoing at the frontline locations and that the civilian prisoners would not be safe.
“[The prisoners] were forced to fortify combat positions, dig trenches, carry ammunition and bring food for soldiers, evacuate injured and killed soldiers, while also being used as human shields,” prosecutor Adis Nuspahic said.
Nuspahic said that this resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people, while 18 more were injured.
The indictment alleges that Trifunovic’s actions were part of a widespread and systematic attack by the Bosnian Serb Army on the Bosniak civilian population in the municipalities of Vogosca and Ilijas between early July 1992 and December 16 that year.
The defence declined to present an introductory statement at this opening of the trial.
The first prosecution witness will be heard on February 13.
