Possible new indictment against Gligor Begović for crimes in Batković camp near Bijeljina

The State Prosecution intends to file a new indictment against Gligor Begović for crimes committed in the Batković camp near Bijeljina, said prosecutor Miroslav Janjić, BIRN reported, as conveyed by the news agency Patria.

Janjić told a status conference before the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina that since July last year, when the first indictment against Begović was filed, a number of new witnesses have come forward who followed the trial through the media, which is why a new indictment is being prepared.

- These witnesses have not been heard before and were not known to us. They saw the trial in the media and they want it to be prosecuted - said Janjić.

Begović is currently on trial for crimes committed in the Batković detention facility, in that, according to the BiH Prosecution, as a member of the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS), he participated in inflicting suffering and injuries on civilians and prisoners, who were held in inhumane and unhygienic conditions.

The trial of Begović began in November last year.

The status conference was held after the invited witnesses of the BiH Prosecution failed to appear at the hearing.

Along with the possible new indictment, prosecutor Janjić announced that he is withdrawing four witnesses. By the end of the evidentiary proceedings, as he said, the testimonies of four more people remain.

- We also intend to amend this indictment, so we will withdraw one count of the indictment, and specify another, so that it corresponds to the presented evidence - said Janjić, without explaining which charges they were.

The Trial Chamber ordered the BiH Prosecution and Begović's Defense to prepare a plan for the presentation of evidence by Friday, July 3, before the annual leave.

The trial will continue on July 7.