Bosnian Terrorism Defendants Seek Plea Bargain with Prosecution

Armen Dželko. Source: State Court BiH

The defence of Keserovic and Dzelko, whose trials have begun in separate cases, announced on May 4 that they will try to reach agreements with the state prosecution that will see their clients pleading guilty.

At the beginning of the two trials, the prosecution read the indictments charging Keserovic and Dzelko, who have been accused of joining and helping the so-called Islamic State, which the United Nations has declared a terrorist organization.

The two defendants are charged with having participated, as Islamic State members, in terrorist activities aimed at forcing the legitimate Syrian authorities to change the country’s constitutional status.

According to the charges, on January 23, 2013 Keserovic left for Syria via Turkey. Upon arrival in Syria, he fought under the name of Abu Muhamed Al-Bosni with the Bejt Komandos unit, which was later renamed El-Aksa.

Besides joining a terrorist group, 26-year-old Keserovic has been charged with publicly inciting terrorist activities.

The indictment alleges that a video clip was uploaded to the internet in which Keserovic called on Muslims to kill Christians and “their servants”, to set explosives in their cars and use firearms or knives against them.

“Do not differentiate between soldiers and civilians, as their planes do not differentiate between soldiers and civilians either,” Keserovic was quoted as saying in the video.

In his introductory statement, prosecutor Cazim Hasanspahic said that he planned to call 14 witnesses and three experts, as well as presenting material evidence in order to prove the allegations in the indictment.

“I would like to note that those who were personally there with Keserovic, who used to see him go on watch and take part in combats for Islamic State, will testify,” Hasanspahic said.

Defense lawyer Senad Dupovac said that although the defence disagrees with a number of allegations in the indictment, it will try to reach a guilt admission agreement.

“Better a weak plea deal than a strong verdict,” he said.

The trial will continue until a potential agreement has been reached. The next hearing is scheduled for May 27, when two witnesses from the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) will be heard.

At the beginning of Dzelko’s trial, the indictment was also read. It claims he left Bosnia and Herzegovina on February 12, 2013 and went to fight in Syria. Prosecutor Dubravko Campara announced he would call 13 witnesses, as well as expert witnesses, and present material evidence.

Dupovac also announced that negotiations would be held over a plea bargain, pointing to what he said were the major essential facts that go in favour of his client.

Dupovac said that Islamic State did not even exist when Dzelko left Bosnia and Herzegovina and went to join the ‘Arab spring’ and the “introduction of democracy” to the Middle East. He said Islamic State was established on May 30, 2013, after Dzelko’s departure.

The defence lawyer pointed out that Dzelko was injured and became disabled in 2015.

The defendants are being held in custody after having been deported to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2019 alongside five other men who have also been charged.