Verdict against Mate Martić for crimes in Žepče overturned

The Supreme Court of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) has overturned the verdict sentencing Mate Martić to one year and eight months in prison for a crime committed in the Žepče area, and ordered a retrial.

Martić was found guilty by the Cantonal Court in Zenica in June last year for physically and psychologically mistreating prisoners during forced labor. Martić, a former member of the Croatian Defence Council (HVO), was found guilty by the first-instance verdict of having, in July 1993, taken a group of prisoners along with another soldier, and then wounding Samir Jažić and Gana Muslić.

Also, according to the verdict, Martić struck prisoner Izet Brutus with the butt of an automatic rifle.

By the decision of the Supreme Court of FBiH, the retrial will be held before the court in Zenica, BIRN reported, as carried by NAP.