Date: 16.09.2009
Time: 12:00
Registry and Chambers:
Nerma Jelačić, Spokesperson for Registry and Chambers, made the following statement:
Good afternoon,
I will go straight to the courtroom activities:
The trial of Popović and others concluded yesterday after Prosecution made its rebuttal arguments, following the completion of the Closing Arguments of all 7 Defence teams on Monday. Vujadin Popović, Ljubisa Beara, Drago Nikolić, Ljubomir Borovćanin, Radivoje Miletić, Milan Gvero, and Vinko Pandurević are facing a range of charges including those of genocide and other crimes committed against Bosnian Muslim civilians in Srebrenica and Zepa in the summer of 1995. The trial commenced on 14 July 2006 and it is one of the largest ever held trial at the Tribunal. The date of the judgement will be announced as soon as soon as the Trial Chamber has filed a Scheduling Order.
As you know, the trial of Mićo Stanišić and Stojan Župljanin started on Monday afternoon. Prosecution’s Opening Statements concluded yesterday and the first witness is expected to be called this afternoon. Once the witness’ testimony concludes, the trial will adjourn until 29 September.
As to the Prlić and others case, Slobodan Praljak’s testimony concluded last Thursday. The second defence witness in his case is currently testifying.
Please note that proceedings in Stanišić and Simatović adjourned yesterday afternoon until further notice after Simatović requested an adjournment of proceedings following the appointment of a new Lead Counsel and Co-Counsel to his case.
Proceedings in the case of Vlastimir Ðorđević resume on Tuesday, 22 September at 14:15 in Courtroom I.
As to the Gotovina and others case, it is expected that Yasushi Akashi’s testimony will conclude this week after which Gotovina’s Defence case will finish.
And finally, the trial of Momčilo Perišić continues for the rest of the week as scheduled and will resume on Monday 28 September.
Please note that the Tribunal will be closed on Monday 21 September 2009 for Eid.
Office of the Prosecutor:
The Office of the Prosecutor had the following statement:
The Prosecutor, Mr. Serge Brammertz will meet with the new Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yves Leterme, this Friday in Brussels. They will discuss the Tribunal's completion strategy, the cooperation of states with the Office of the Prosecutor as well as other issues related to the Tribunal’s mandate.
Questions:
No questions were asked.