One-month detention ordered for the Balijagić brothers

A hearing was held at the Cantonal Court in Sarajevo for suspects Faruk and Ado Balijagić, after which a one-month detention was ordered, reports the Bosnian news agency Patria.

The Cantonal Prosecutor's Office of the Sarajevo Canton requested the detention after the suspects were questioned by prosecutors.

According to evidence obtained by this Prosecutor's Office, there is reasonable suspicion that the suspects Faruk and Ado Balijagić committed the criminal offenses of incitement to murder, robbery, and serious criminal offenses against the general safety of people and property as co-perpetrators. As this Prosecutor's Office believes there is a real danger that these suspects might obstruct the criminal proceedings by leaving for the Republic of Croatia (both individuals hold citizenship of the Republic of Croatia, own numerous properties, and have residence in that country); that if released, they might influence witnesses whose testimonies are crucial to the outcome of this criminal case; that they are reasonably suspected of committing multiple criminal offenses; and that their release (given the profession of the first suspect and his relationship with the second suspect) would pose a real threat of disturbing public order, a detention measure was requested for these suspects.