ACQUITTED OF GENOCIDE IN SREBRENICA, Vasić Awarded Damages for Movement Restrictions

(Patria) - The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued a final verdict according to which the state is obliged to pay 22,000 marks to Dragomir Vasić as compensation for damages due to the restrictive measures imposed on him during the proceedings in which he was acquitted of the charge of genocide in Srebrenica, Detektor has confirmed.

Attorney Ozrenka Jakšić reminded that the claim for damages sought 43,000 marks and stated that Vasić, among other things, was denied the right to movement. She added that the restrictive measures were in force for four years and seven months.

“A fair amount was not awarded, it is too low. I have information that the Legal Representative's Office has filed a revision. Vasić said he will not file a revision but will accept what was decided on appeal,” said attorney Jakšić.

By the first-instance verdict, Vasić was awarded damages in the amount of 9,000 marks, to which an appeal was filed, while the Legal Representative's Office of BiH challenged the basis and amount of compensation with its appeal.

By the final verdict of the Court of BiH, Vasić was awarded damages for the restriction of the right to freedom of movement.

During his testimony in the damages proceedings, Vasić stated that he was subjected to movement restrictions and an obligation to report to the police station, due to which he noticed that some acquaintances were distancing themselves from him. He also stated that his life was particularly difficult because at the time of certain restrictive measures, he had to undergo surgery in Belgrade, and that he could not visit his children living in another country.

Vasić was charged with genocide in Srebrenica in his capacity as head of the Public Security Center in Zvornik, and was finally acquitted of guilt along with four other former police officers.