Vidović: I Decided to Protect the Confidentiality Between Client and Lawyer, Even to My Own Detriment

(Patria) - Testifying in her own defense, lawyer Vasvija Vidović confirmed that the arrested Ranko Debevec placed a phone in her handbag while they were at the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), but that she was aware she was acting as a defense attorney and decided not to react, even to her own detriment.

Vidović recounted how on December 18 last year she was called to SIPA as Debevec's lawyer, then president of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and how upon arrival she encountered a very unpleasant atmosphere and an argument, reports Detektor.ba.

- Debevec looked very bad… He said: "They want to take my phones, but they don't have a warrant," Vidović recalled, adding that there were two phones on the table.

She stated that they were sitting in a room with opaque glass, which is usually used for identification, and that there was a camera there, which, based on the light, she concluded was recording.

She said there was an arrest warrant for Debevec and that she learned he had not been searched upon arrest. According to her, a search could not be carried out afterwards.

Vidović stated that she was allowed to speak privately with Debevec, and he told her that someone was framing him. As she said, she took a notebook and pen from her handbag to write down details of what he was telling her.

- While I was writing, I noticed a sudden hand movement from the client. He puts a black object into the handbag. I was taken aback. What should I do, what should I say? He said: "Those are my private photos," Vidović stated, noting that she realized it was a phone.

She said that inspectors soon appeared and told her to come with them, and asked her if she had anything to hand over.

- At that moment, I thought about it and decided to act as a defense attorney, I said I didn't… to protect the confidentiality between client and lawyer, even to my own detriment - Vidović stated, adding that she did not know there was a third phone.

She said that the disputed phone was later found in her handbag. She denied that she then stated it was her phone and said: "Look what that scumbag did to me."

She emphasized that the search warrant for Debevec had not arrived, and that she could not act against his will. She said that her official phone, which she left upon arrival, was brought by an investigator, and that she voluntarily provided the code to unlock it.

Vidović said she was told she was suspected of aiding an offender after a criminal offense, and that she told them this could not be charged against her as a lawyer.

She also spoke about how the inspectors mentioned searching her apartment, which ultimately did not happen. She said she begged to be received by the prosecutor that same night to clarify what had happened.

- I expected them to understand that I am not just a defense attorney with my rights, but also with duties towards my client - Vidović stated.

She stated that her official phone, which contained confidential information - even though the prosecutor told her she would not open it - was only returned on February 25, and that she has certain suspicions.

Prosecutor Bojana Jolović said she would open an investigation if the accused claims that the content of her phone was examined without a warrant.

Vidović said the phone was turned on during the hearing, and that due to the search of her official belongings, she filed a complaint with the International Organization for the Protection of Lawyers.

When asked by the prosecutor whether Debevec had released her from attorney-client privilege, Vidović replied that she did not ask for that and that she did not reveal anything.

The prosecutor was interested in which ethical standards prevented her from handing over the phone to the inspectors.

Vidović said that the Code of Legal Ethics is very specific regarding the protection of information learned from a client, and that international standards are even more rigorous.

When Jolović asked why she then did not tell the inspector that she had the right to hand over the phone, the accused said she emphasized to them that she was a defense attorney, and that she was not obliged to explain anything to them.

Vidović confirmed that she had no objections to the records regarding the arrest, search, and hearing, but noted that she felt unwell and was aware of the possibility of being remanded in custody.

Vidović is charged with obstructing the gathering of evidence. She is accused of hiding Debevec's mobile phone, who was arrested for abuse of office.

The defense submitted a set of material evidence, and the closing argument of the Prosecutor's Office is scheduled for December 27, while in the meantime the parties will comment on any additional evidence.