Court of BiH: We have not, nor can we, revoke Novalić's rights in prison

(Patria) - The legal team of Fadil Novalić, who has been denied basic, legally guaranteed rights at the State Prison in Vojkovići near Sarajevo, has received a response from the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Elmir Jahić and Senad Pećanin submitted a motion to the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina requesting an explanation on what basis and by whom Novalić was denied the legally guaranteed rights to telephone contact with his family and lawyers.

"The Court reminds you that the Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Execution of Criminal Sanctions, Detention and Other Measures prescribes the institutions responsible for the execution of criminal sanctions over the convicted person: the Ministry of Justice of BiH and the Institute for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions, Detention and Other Measures of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Therefore, from the moment the convicted Fadil Novalić began serving his prison sentence under a final verdict, this Court has not undertaken, nor was it competent to undertake, any action that would regulate the rights/obligations of the prisoner," it is stated in the letter from the Court of BiH.

Pećanin and Jahić are of the opinion that "by prohibiting telephone contact with his family and lawyers, Mr. Novalić has been denied the right guaranteed by the Law on the Execution of Criminal Sanctions, Detention and Other Measures of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the manner in which he has been unlawfully denied in exercising his rights has also unlawfully denied him the use of legal remedies available to him."

In addition to the Court of BiH, Novalić's lawyers have also contacted the Prison Administration and the Ministry of Justice of BiH.

"The legal team of Fadil Novalić will continue with activities to protect his fundamental human rights guaranteed by the European Convention, the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the laws, demanding that the competent authorities urgently stop the practice of unlawful treatment towards him," Jahić and Pećanin stated in today's separate press release.

They have also, incidentally, contacted the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina.