Trial begins for Ćufurović for fighting in Syria, defense hints at possibility of guilty plea

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The trial of Ibri Ćufurović, accused of fighting in Syria, began with the reading of the indictment by the BiH Prosecutor's Office.

According to the indictment, Ćufurović traveled to Turkey on April 21, 2014, where he entered Syria across an illegal border crossing to fight on the side of the "Islamic State".

According to the indictment, Ćufurović participated in terrorist activities under the name Abu Kasim Albosni, providing assistance and fighting on the side of ISIL, in the unit "Bejt Komandos", which later changed its name to "El Aksa".

"By hearing eight witnesses, two experts, and with material evidence, the Prosecution will prove beyond any doubt that the accused, while residing in Syria and fighting on the side of the so-called Islamic State, committed the act he is charged with," the prosecutor stated in his opening statement, the BiH Court announced.

The BiH Prosecutor's Office filed the indictment against Ćufurović on July 12.

He was deported from Syria in April and is in custody.

In its opening statement, the Prosecution announced that during the evidentiary proceedings, it will show a video from Twitter showing Ćufurović above executed soldiers in Syria.

Ćufurović had an ISIL card which also listed the name of the person who guaranteed his entry into Syria, the prosecutor said.

In its opening statement, the defense emphasized that it is not disputed that Ćufurović was in Syria, but it is disputed that he financed and fought on the side of the "Islamic State".

"The Prosecution did not state that Ćufurović spent 19 months in prison, or a camp, during his stay in Syria," said lawyer Senad Dupovac.

Dupovac also said that next week he will talk with the acting prosecutor about the possibility of a guilty plea.

The continuation of the trial is scheduled for September 4.