The trial of three former guards in the Viktor Bubanj barracks in Sarajevo started, by reading of the indictment and presentation of opening statements.
The Bosnian state prosecution charges Besim Muderizovic, Ramiz Avdovic and Iliuan-Nicolae Vintila with taking part in the systematic abuse of Bosnian Serb civilians, between late June and late November 1992.
The indictment specifies that the imprisoned Serb civilians were subject to deliberate infliction of severe bodily and emotional pain and forced labour in the Viktor Bubanj barracks. At the time of the alleged crimes the barracks were used by the territorial defence of the republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Muderizovic and Avdovic have been held in custody since October, while Vintila is allowed to mount his defence while living at liberty.
The prosecutor, Dzevad Muratbegovic, said in his opening statements that the accused willfully participated in illegal detentions and abuse of civilians.
"Besim Muderizovic did not take measures to improve the hygiene and diet of prisoners. The civilians were held in inadequate facilities, without beds and blankets“, said the prosecutor.
The prosecution claimed they would prove that the defendants Avdovic and Vintila took part in beatings of prisoners.
Muderizovic’s defence counsel called the charges of the prosecution unfounded and said they represent a „skilled legal construction“.
The defence teams for all three defendants said they would prove their clients’ innocence.
The first witness for the prosecution will testify on March 28, 2012.
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