Trial of Fahrudin Radončić Continues at Court of BiH

The trial of SBB leader Fahrudin Radončić continued today at the Court of BiH, writes BIRN, reports Patria News Agency.

Among the material evidence, the State Prosecution presented summonses issued by the Cantonal Prosecution of Sarajevo to Bakir Dautbašić and Bilsena Šahman as witnesses for questioning in the investigation into obstructing the work of justice.

Prosecutor Suada Pašić stated that the envelopes with the summonses were found during a search of the apartment used by Dautbašić, and explained that the Cantonal Prosecution had opened a case based on a notarized statement.

At one of the previous hearings, the Prosecution read a notarized statement in which Dautbašić and Šahman spoke about their contacts with Azra Sarić, which was forwarded to the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) and the Cantonal Prosecution of Sarajevo.

Defense attorney Mirna Delalić stated that it is unclear what is happening with that report and that Dautbašić and Šahman have gone from being witnesses to being accused.

- They were arrested three days before they were supposed to give their statement, the investigation is not being conducted based on their report, and this evidence is now being used against them - emphasized the defense attorney.

The Prosecution also presented documentation regarding the opening and examination of temporarily seized items from Šahman and Dautbašić, with both accused present, as well as a report on the commission of a criminal offense against the two of them. The defense objected that a lawful action of opening a case cannot arise from an unlawful search.

Fahrudin Radončić is accused of ordering pressure to be exerted on Azra Sarić to testify falsely in the proceedings against Naser Kelmendi in Kosovo, with Šahman and Dautbašić acting as the perpetrators. Radončić is also accused of conspiring with Dautbašić to find out from Zijad Hadžijahić, an employee of the United States (US) Embassy in BiH, whether an investigation had been opened regarding the pressure on witness Sarić and, if so, to try to influence its closure.

The State Prosecution presented proposals, orders, minutes, and reports on the search of the apartment, other premises, office, study, and weekend house used by Radončić, with the aim, as explained by prosecutor Elvira Stanojlović, of finding traces and items that could serve as evidence, as well as financial documentation related to the commission of the offense.

Among other things, evidence was presented regarding the temporary seizure of digital processors from the video surveillance center in Avaz Twist Tower.

In the search warrant request, the prosecutor added, the grounds for suspicion were stated that Radončić, along with Dautbašić and Šahman, were intimidating Azra Sarić, who was to testify in proceedings in Kosovo with the aim of giving false testimony, as well as the witness's statement that pressure was being exerted on her.

Regarding the legality of the Prosecution's actions, minutes of Radončić's arrest on January 25, 2016, his handover to the competent prosecutor the following day, and the order for his detention were presented.

The defense will comment on this set of evidence at the next hearing, and Radončić pointed out that it is highly indicative that the order for his apprehension was issued several days before he was arrested.

- They requested financial documentation related to the commission of the offense, but it does not state whether any of it was found. And nothing could have been found. Nothing was found on my phone that would indicate a criminal offense either - said Radončić.

The continuation of the trial is scheduled for October 4.