|
Press Release · Communiqué de presse
(Exclusively for the use of the media. Not an official document)
CC/PIO/105-E
The Hague, 11 September 1996
RULING OF TRIAL CHAMBER IN RAJIC RULE 61 HEARING ON FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 1996
Trial Chamber II will render its decision in the Rule 61 hearing in the RAJIC (ÔStupni Do') Case on Friday 13 September at 4.30 p.m. The decision, which was due to be handed down on 2 May 1996, was postponed to allow the Prosecution to file additional evidence.
Background
RAJIC, alias Viktor Andric, was indicted on 23 August 1995, on charges of grave breaches and violations of the laws and customs of war.
These international crimes were allegedly carried out while he was commander of the Second Operational Group of the Croatian Defence Council (HVO), the armed forces of the self-proclaimed Croatian Community of Herceg-Bosna. RAJIC's unit was HVO's Operational Unit for the regions of Kiseljak, Kresevo and Vares in Central Bosnia. The indictment alleges that at the time of the alleged
crimes, the HVO was engaged in an armed conflict with the armed forces of the government of Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to the indictment, units of the HVO under RAJIC's command attacked and razed the mostly-Muslim village of Stupni Do, located about 10 km from Vares, on 23 October 1993. At least 16 civilians were killed and the remainder of the villagers were forced to flee their homes.
The Rule 61 Hearing
During the Rule 61 Hearing, held on 2 and 3 April 1996, some of the evidence supporting RAJIC's indictment was presented before the full Trial Chamber and five witnesses were called. The hearing was intended as a public reminder that RAJIC is wanted for serious international crimes yet remains at large.
Should the Trial Chamber decide to uphold the indictment against RAJIC, it will reconfirm his indictment, issue an international arrest warrant against him, and may request the President to notify the Security Council of the failure of any relevant States to co-operate with the Tribunal.
|
