Registry and Chambers:
Nerma Jelačić, Spokesperson for Registry and Chambers, made the following statement:
Good afternoon,
I will highlight some important decisions first. Yesterday, the Trial Chamber rendered its judgement in the Astrit Haraqija and Bajrush Morina Contempt of Court case. Both were found guilty of trying to persuade a witness not to testify in the trial of Ramush Haradinaj and others and sentenced to five months and three months’ imprisonment respectively.
An update on provisional release requests and decisions: In the Popović et al. case dealing with the genocide in Srebrenica, Milan Gvero and Radivoje Miletić were granted provisional release to be taken during the winter recess, for a period of time not exceeding seven days. The exact date of their release has yet to be determined. Ljubomir Borovcanin’s request for custodial visit was denied by Trial Chamber on 17 December 2008.
In the Milutinović et al. case dealing with the crimes committed against Kosovo Albanians, accused Milan Milutinović was granted provisional release on Tuesday, between 19 December 2008 and 2 January 2009. The Prosecution’s request for a stay on the decision was denied. His co-accused Vladimir Lazarević, Sreten Lukić and Dragoljub Ojdanić were all denied provisional release.
In the Herzeg-Bosna leadership case, the Appeals Chamber on Tuesday dismissed Slobodan Praljak’s appeal against the Trial Chamber’s decision to deny his request for provisional release.
And former Yugoslav Army general Momčilo Perišić has been granted provisional release which is to commence on or after 22 December 2008 and will last until 9 January 2009 at which date the accused must be transported back to the UNDU.
Elsewhere, the Tribunal’s Outreach section this week organised a number of events across the Balkans with the aim of promoting its new website. Presentations have taken place in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Belgrade and Zagreb.
Finally, this is the last press briefing taking place this year. Let me remind you that court proceedings will resume after the winter recess on 12 January 2009, with the exception of the trial of Vojislav Šešelj which will resume on 8 January at 9:00am in courtroom II. The next press briefing will take place on Wednesday, 21 January 2009.
Office of the Prosecutor:
Olga Kavran, Spokesperson for the Office of the Prosecutor, made no statement.
Questions:
No Questions.