The District Court in Trebinje, Republika Srpska, found Ranko Stevanovic guilty of war crimes committed in Foca in 1992 and sentenced him to 14 years in prison.
The trial of Ranko Stevanovic, who is charged with war crimes against the civilian population in Foca municipality, before the District Court in Trebinje begins with examination of two Prosecution witnesses at a closed hearing.
The Basic Court in Trebinje pronounces a verdict, ordering the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to pay KM 100,000 to Olga Drasko as compensation for the torture she suffered during the course of her detention in Dretelj detention camp, near Capljina from the beginning of May to August 1992.
Despite its willingness to process war crimes cases, local judicial system in Trebinje struggles to surpass obstacles such as reluctant witnesses and lack of access to material evidence.
War crimes trials in Bosnias smaller entity are on increase, mainly due to the establishment of the state War Crimes Chamber, but their success depends on the support of local and foreign institutions.