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Dokmanovic case: the Defence files preliminary motions.

Press Release · Communiqué de presse

(Exclusively for the use of the media. Not an official document)





CC/PIO/224-E

The Hague, 8 July 1997

DOKMANOVIC CASE: THE DEFENCE FILES PRELIMINARY MOTIONS


On Monday 7 July 1997, Defence Counsel Toma Fila filed a preliminary motion on various matters on behalf of the accused Slavko DOKMANOVIC:



1. Concerning the arrest of Mr Dokmanovic, Mr Fila stated that : "By arrest of Mr Dokmanovic, that is to say by his kidnapping, his basic rights have been violated (...) since the contents of the indictment were refused to be told to him. Since the arrest is illegal the Defence Counsel request his immediate release."


2. With regard to the form of the indictment, Mr Fila argued that : "...the indictment had to contain individual responsibility of the suspected person and in case of Mr Dokmanovic it has been omitted (...) Therefore the indictment is not justified and as such must be refused, and Mr Dokmanovic immediately be released."


3. Defence Counsel for Mr Dokmanovic also requested a : "...separation of the procedure in relation to Mr Dokmanovic, in order to ensure the right of Mr Dokmanovic to be tried without undue delay..."


4. Finally, Mr Fila asserted his right to an "...immediate disposal of the documents of evidence / copies / as apart of the indictment with the witnesses declaration of the Prosecution".