Mladić's witness spoke about the "humanity" of the army commanded by a criminal

In the continuation of Ratko Mladić's trial, a defence witness said that during the war, humanitarian convoys were used to bring in ammunition and food for the Army of BiH (ABiH) and that some international military observers conducted reconnaissance of Serbian forces' positions, reports the Bosnian news agency Patria. 

Slavko Kralj, a former liaison officer with UNPROFOR, said that during the war he received reports about smuggling and reconnaissance activities, after which stricter controls of humanitarian convoys were introduced.

"The procedure was to carry out an inspection; if it was established that something was wrong, that something was being smuggled or was not on the list, then an assessment was made. If it was ammunition or more serious items, the entire convoy was stopped. However, if it was goods not intended for the army, they were temporarily confiscated, and the rest of the convoy was allowed to proceed, or in agreement with the convoy leader, the entire convoy was returned to the starting point," said Kralj.

The witness said that he personally had knowledge of convoys that delivered weapons and ammunition to members of the ABiH.

"On one occasion, when a convoy arrived from the direction of Zagreb, we organised a more detailed inspection, which they did not allow, and after consultation between the convoy leader and his superiors, we agreed that the convoy would return to Zagreb. Later we learned that the same convoy had passed through towards Bihać and that it was transporting a certain amount of weapons and ammunition in a hidden compartment of the vehicle," said Kralj.

According to his testimony, the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) also had information that the Dutch battalion of UNPROFOR was giving parts of its food and fuel supplies to units of the 28th Division of the ABiH, which were stationed in Srebrenica.

Kralj testified at the trial of the former Chief of Staff of the VRS, Ratko Mladić, who is charged with genocide committed in Srebrenica in 1995 and in several other municipalities in 1992, persecution of Bosniaks and Croats from territories under Serb control, and taking UNPROFOR members hostage.

Mladić is also charged with terrorising the citizens of Sarajevo through a campaign of artillery and sniper attacks, as well as by restricting humanitarian aid in order to create the most difficult living conditions.

Kralj also testified that the VRS, alongside humanitarian convoys, allowed medical evacuations of civilians from the enclaves of Srebrenica, Goražde and Žepa.

"Medical evacuations were approved and they were not subject to the procedure of notification at least 48 hours in advance. This was done as needed and urgently, and was carried out in two ways: by land or by helicopter," said Kralj.

Responding to cross-examination by prosecutor Peter McCloskey, Kralj said that despite the assistance that UN forces gave to the ABiH through humanitarian convoys, the VRS Main Staff never considered them enemies.

When asked by the prosecutor whether he knew what happened to the people of Srebrenica due to the restrictions on humanitarian convoys, Kralj said that he never went to Srebrenica.

Mladić's trial will continue on Wednesday, 29 October, reports BIRN - Justice Report.