Krajiški Babo arrives in Velika Kladuša: War crimes convict hopes for mayoral position

Fikret Abdić, candidate of the Labour Party for mayor of this municipality, arrived in Velika Kladuša today from Croatia.

According to local portals and statements from the Labour Party, led by his daughter Elvira Abdić Jelenović, Krajiški Babo, the former director of the economic giant Agrokomerc, could very easily become the mayor of Velika Kladuša. He himself believes he will be elected mayor, writes the Patria news agency.

Fikret Abdić served a prison sentence in Croatia. He was released on parole in March 2012 from the prison in Pula, after serving two-thirds of his sentence, i.e., ten years and nine months.

Abdić was convicted of war crimes committed in the Bosnian Krajina region from 1993 to 1995 and for proclaiming the so-called AP Western Bosnia.

He was tried as a citizen of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on the indictment of the BiH Prosecutor's Office, and under an agreement between the two governments on legal assistance.

Four years ago, Abdić was greeted in front of the prison by his supporters from Velika Kladuša, who arrived from Velika Kladuša in 32 buses and private cars.

Although there was media debate about his candidacy, the Election Law of BiH does not prevent persons who have served a prison sentence, even for war crimes, from running in elections.