Vidović: Novalić will address the Trial Chamber, the Prosecution has not proven the allegations from the indictment

(Patria) - In the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the defense of the Federal Prime Minister Fadil Novalić has begun presenting closing arguments in the "Respirators" case. 

Fadil Novalić's defense attorney, lawyer Vasvija Vidović, stated at the beginning of her address to the Trial Chamber that it was an honor to present closing arguments to the Chamber, which must make a decision in a case that has marked the sad reality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where cases are conducted under the influence of invisible forces outside the judicial institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. She said that the Prosecution viewed the entire case outside the time frame in which the event occurred. 

She stated that the allegations in the indictment must be proven in their entirety.

"Here, not only have money laundering and abuse of position not been proven, they have not even been described. The Prosecution has not proven the allegations of the indictment. If the Court, in my understanding, were to accept that, it would commit an absolutely essential violation of procedure," said Vidović, adding that the BiH Prosecution did not propose that the individuals be convicted, and they relied on three pieces of evidence. 

"I have named those forces there, I am deeply disappointed by the interference of politicians whom I have listed by first and last name, representatives of parties, the use of this entire case for political purposes in the pre-election campaign, and unfortunately, the interference of the international community, embassies, which is unimaginable in organized states such as the USA and Great Britain, to interfere in an ongoing case. That is the greatest possible precedent," said Vidović.

She emphasized that when it comes to foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations, the first thing they are told here is the prohibition of interfering in certain processes.

"They have the right to comment on certain phenomena and processes up to a certain point, but certainly not to prejudge, and that went in one, second, third direction all the way to the elections. That will leave a bitter impression for me when it comes to the international community and something I will never forget," said Vidović.

Asked whether her client will also present a closing argument, she said he certainly will.

"He will speak about the case as he sees it, we have planned 45 minutes, of course if the Trial Chamber allows it," said Vidović.