Detention and Prohibition Measures Proposed for Those Arrested in Operation "Lift"

After questioning six suspects for arms smuggling, the prosecutor of the Special Department for Organized Crime, Economic Crime and Corruption of the Prosecutor's Office of BiH submitted to the Court of BiH a proposal for ordering detention measures for four suspects and a proposal for ordering prohibition measures for two suspects, reports the Patria news agency.

The acting prosecutor submitted a proposal for ordering a detention measure lasting one (30) day for the suspects:

Haris Hodžić, born on 16.10.1983 in Travnik, Mustafa Šemić, born on 01.02.1959 in Kamena,
Nikola Pandža, born on 24.09.1957 in Raška gora, municipality of Mostar, and Muhamed Mehmeti, born on 07.01.1978 in Sarajevo

The prosecutor proposes that the aforementioned be ordered detention due to the reasons described in Article 132, paragraph 1, points a), b) and c) of the Criminal Procedure Code of BiH, namely due to circumstances indicating a risk of flight of the suspects, as well as due to a well-founded fear that the suspects, if at liberty, might attempt to obstruct and prevent the conduct of criminal proceedings against them by influencing witnesses, but also due to a justified suspicion that the suspects, if released, could commit the same or a similar criminal offense again.

The acting prosecutor proposed the ordering of prohibition measures regarding the suspects: Mensad Sijarić, born on 18.09.1961 in Godijevo, Republic of Serbia, and Mario Prce, born on 29.03.1978 in Mostar.

Prohibition measures were proposed under Article 126, paragraph 1 and Article 126a, paragraph 1, point d) of the Criminal Procedure Code of BiH, namely measures prohibiting leaving the place of residence and travel, prohibiting the use of a personal ID card for crossing the border, and the obligation to report to the competent police authority at the place of residence once a week.

The suspects are charged with committing the criminal offense of unauthorized trafficking in weapons and military equipment and dual-use products under Article 193, paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code of BiH.

The proposal for ordering detention and prohibition measures will be submitted to the Court of BiH.