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Dokmanovic case and Furundzija case: both Trials to be completed next week.

Press Release . Communiqué de presse

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


REGISTRY:
GREFFE:

CC/PIU/325-E

The Hague, 18 June 1998


DOKMANOVIC CASE and FURUNDZIJA CASE:


BOTH TRIALS TO BE COMPLETED NEXT WEEK


In the Furundzija case, the Trial Chamber will hear the closing arguments on Monday 22 June as of 8.30 a.m.


In the Dokmanovic case, the closing arguments are likely to be heard at the end of the week, probably as of Thursday 25 June.








1. FURUNDZIJA CASE


Background on the case


According to the indictment, Anto Furundzija (who was born in Travnik on 8 July 1969) was during the war a commander of a Special Forces group within the HVO called the Jokers, and he worked out from the Joker’s headquarters (the "Bungalow") in Vitez. He was there on or about 15 May 1993 to question two prisoners who were being mistreated by another member of the Jokers. Anto
Furundzija was present while a prisoner was sexually assaulted and he did nothing to stop or curtail that action.


The Accused was detained by members of the SFOR forces, on 18 December 1997, and transferred to the ICTY Detention Unit. On 19 December, Anto Furundzija pleaded not guilty during his initial appearance. His trial began on Monday 8 June 1998 before a Trial Chamber consisting of Judge Mumba (presiding), Judge Cassese and Judge May.


The indictment charges Anto Furundzija with two counts of Violations of the Laws or Customs of War, torture and outrages upon personal dignity including rape, for his alleged criminal conduct.


The Furundzija trial in figures (as of 17 June 1998)


Duration of the trial


Number of days for the Prosecution case 4


Number of days for the Defence case 2


Witnesses


Prosecution witnesses 6


Defence witnesses 2 (1 expert)


Exhibits


Prosecution exhibits 4


Defence exhibits 16


Transcripts


(Approximate number of pages) 700


2. DOKMANOVIC CASE


Background on the case


According to the indictment, Slavko Dokmanovic (born on 14 December 1949) was the president of the Vukovar Municipality in November 1991, when JNA and Serb paramilitary soldiers removed from the Vukovar hospital approximately 260 men, who were later transported in groups to a site close to Ovcara where they where shot and killed.


Slavko Dokmanovic was detained by forces with the UNTAES on 27 June 1997 and transferred to The Hague. On 4 July 1997, he entered a plea of not guilty. His trial began on 19 January 1998 before a Trial Chamber consisting of Judge Cassese (presiding), Judge May and Judge Mumba.


The indictment charges Slavko Dokmanovic with two counts of Grave Breaches of the Geneva Conventions, two counts of Violations of the Laws or Customs of War and two counts of Crimes against Humanity.


The Dokmanovic trial in figures (as of 17 June 1998)


Duration of the trial


Number of days for the Prosecution case 16


Number of days for the Defence case 12


Witnesses


Prosecution witnesses 35


Defence witnesses 35


Exhibits


Prosecution exhibits 212


Defence exhibits 148


Transcripts


(Approximate number of pages) 3900