Witness Testifies: JNA Became Yugoslav Army Before 'Dobrovoljačka', New Uniforms and Attack Orders Arrived!

By: A. Čorbo-Zećo

In the continuation of the trial in the Dobrovoljačka case, Krsto Rakić testified today before the Court of BiH. At the time in 1992, he was serving his regular military service and worked on securing the command building of the Second Military District in Bistrik.

He spoke about the events from March to May 3, 1992, when the column moved through Dobrovoljačka Street. Responding to questions from prosecutor Mladen Vukojičić, he stated that they returned fire and responded to provocations directed at them from the Second Military District building. He recounted that two soldiers were killed in a billiard club not far from the command.

Responding to defense questions, he also said that he heard about the murder of Senad Šećerović and Dževad Resić in front of the Second Military District building, but that he did not see it.

Judge Darko Samardžić was interested in whether they fired at Sarajevo from the Second Military District command, and the witness stated that they were returning fire.

To the clear question of whether there was any other gunfire during the murder of Šećerović and Resić on April 26, 1992, Rakić said he did not remember, but that there probably was.

This question followed the witness's testimony that during the hearings in the FIS hall, they were most interested in answers to questions about who the sniper was, who was shooting and firing at Sarajevo.

Incidentally, Rakić went to the Lukavica barracks on May 6, and in his statement, he said that 'shortly thereafter, he received orders for combat operations in Vraca'. He was then ordered to target the Holiday Inn hotel with a Maljutka, but he refused!

During the hearing about the events in the column, he said that his new camouflage uniform was removed. Lawyer Mirna Avdibegović asked the witness what kind of uniform it was, considering that soldiers on regular military service had olive-green uniforms.

Rakić then said that they had received new uniforms because, during February 1992, the JNA was renamed the Yugoslav Army, and they had JNA insignia.

He also stated that he remained in the Army of Republika Srpska for another two years when a competent commission declared him a military invalid.

He also mentioned Zoran Čegar, who, according to him, arrived shortly after they were captured in Dobrovoljačka Street, and addressed those present who were mistreating them, saying 'that they were regular soldiers'.
“He shamed them. Then we formed a corridor and headed towards FIS,” Rakić emphasized.

Lawyer Senad Pizović was interested in whether that meant the gathered people did not have a superior?
Krstić said: 'I don't know that'.

The continuation of the trial in this case is scheduled for next Wednesday, October 22.