Prosecution Witness Without Key Answers: Extended Military Service, Unknown State, and Disputed Testimonies in the 'Dobrovoljačka' Case

By: A. Čorbo-Zećo

Saša Dimitrijević from Belgrade, a witness for the BiH Prosecutor's Office in the case against Ejup Ganić and others (Dobrovoljačka case), today presented a series of claims before the BiH Court that opened more questions than they provided answers. Although he spoke in detail about the events in the Command of the Second Military District in Bistrik in early May 1992, he remained without a clear explanation of his own status in the JNA.

Namely, Dimitrijević confirmed that his regular military service, which expired on March 16, 1992, was extended by an additional 90 days, but he could not state which country made such a decision, which is particularly significant considering the disintegration of the then-state and the transformation of the JNA.

He could not tell lawyer Mirna Avdibegović which country issued him a certificate that he had completed his military service after returning to Belgrade from Han Pijesak.

Dimitrijević also recounted his knowledge when a military unit vehicle was sent towards the JNA House and that they were hit. He heard on the radio that a combat vehicle was sent because 'something was happening around the JNA House,' and that this was a few days before May 3, when the relocation of the command of the Second Military District began.
He also spoke about May 2, when, according to him, 'the command of the Second Military District was attacked.' He confirmed to lawyer Lejla Čović that they returned fire, and that there was sporadic shooting throughout the day.

Like a number of other witnesses for the BiH Prosecutor's Office, Dimitrijević stated that he did not hear that Sarajevo was being shelled from JNA positions, nor did he know anything about it!?

"On May 3, two UN vehicles and one of our green JNA vehicles arrived at the Command. Negotiations were taking place about our departure. Then I heard that it was agreed that only Kukanjac would leave the Command with Alija and McKenzie. There was a rebellion among the officers. The security officer then went to Kukanjac to tell him that we had heard via radio communication that after their departure, an attack could occur again. Then the negotiations continued in a way that a safe exit for the entire Command was agreed upon," stated Dimitrijević.

He then said that the convoy started and soon stopped.

"I saw civilians with automatic rifles in the park, there were also some in uniforms, they were dressed mixed. They disarmed us, and we lay down on the asphalt. I then heard a burst of fire and the guy next to me was wounded," said Dimitrijević, adding that he did not know how the shooting started.

He further recounted that they were taken to the gymnasium (FIS building) where they were given food.

"No one touched me. I know they took off those who had camouflage uniforms. I had a plain JNA uniform," said Dimitrijević.

Lawyer Senad Pizović asked the witness who had camouflage uniforms, to which Dimitrijević replied that it was the anti-terrorist unit, and some officers.

This witness also stated that he was not aware of the fact that the JNA ceased to exist in April 1992, nor did he know that in April it was stated that the JNA would not leave barracks and would not undertake any activities without the consent of the Territorial Defense Staff.

At the end of the hearing, the legality of the planned questioning of a witness via video link was also raised, which was opposed by lawyer Mirna Avdibegović, warning of a possible violation of the Criminal Procedure Code and the danger of such a practice becoming a rule without adequate justification.

The continuation of the trial is scheduled for April 1.