Indictment against Đuro Matuzović and others for crimes in Orašje

The State Prosecutor's Office has filed an indictment against nine individuals for crimes against humanity committed in 1992 and 1993 against victims of Serb nationality in the Orašje area, reports Birn, as conveyed by Patria.

The Prosecutor's Office charges Đuro Matuzović, Ivo and Tado Oršolić, Marko Dominković, Joso Nedić, Marko Blažanović, Mato and Anto Živković, and Stjepo Đurić with committing war crimes against a larger number of victims of Serb nationality from the Orašje area between the second half of April 1992 and July 1993.

As announced by the Prosecutor's Office, they committed these crimes as members of the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) structures in Orašje, Military Police and police structures, as well as guards in camps and detention centers – the Secondary School Center in Orašje and the "Donja Mahala" Elementary School.

"The accused are charged with participating in the persecution of the population of Serb nationality from the Orašje area on national, ethnic, cultural, and religious grounds, while performing their duties within their authority," the statement said.

They were arrested at the end of October this year and released from custody at the end of November, when prohibition measures were imposed on them. Marko Baotić was also arrested with them, but the Prosecutor's Office did not file an indictment against him.

The indictment has been forwarded to the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina for confirmation.