The trial of Nesib Talić, Jusuf Karalić, Našid Delalić and Sabahudin Sarajlić for crimes against civilians committed at the Music School in Zenica in 1993 began today with the reading of the indictment and opening remarks.
According to the indictment, civilians were beaten in the music school, one succumbed to the beating, and one was killed while trying to escape. “We will prove that the illegal detention of civilians of Croatian and Serbian nationality was carried out,” said prosecutor Ljubo Badnjar.
Talić’s indictment charges that, in his capacity as assistant commander for security of the Seventh Muslim Brigade, in the period from January to October 1993, he did not prevent illegal detentions and inhumane treatment of civilians by the Military Police platoon. It is stated that Talić occasionally came and interrogated the detainees, and was present when members of the police beat them with their feet, fists, butts, batons and electric cables.
“We consider that all the elements of inaction have been met,” Badnjar said, adding that the accused, although he was not in command, was professionally superior to the Military Police.
Karalić was accused in his capacity as commander of a platoon of the Military Police of the Seventh Muslim Brigade, whose headquarters were in the premises of the Music School, which served as a detention facility. He was accused of not preventing and punishing his subordinates.
“In relation to Jusuf Karalilć, we will prove that he had real control over members of the Military Police… and that he had an obligation to prevent their illegal actions,” said the prosecutor. According to the indictment, the civilians were imprisoned in an overcrowded space, in unhygienic conditions and without enough food and water.
Delalić and Sarajlić are accused as military policemen of hitting imprisoned civilians with fists, legs and various objects. Delalić was charged with four counts, and Sarajlić with two.
Talić’s defense rejected the prosecution’s claims about the accused’s superiors to the Military Police, as well as the knowledge he allegedly had. “We will show what was the real and not the imagined position of my client,” said defense attorney Nina Kisić.
Defense attorney Emira Alić said that Karalić did not have a professional management role. “The prosecution will not successfully prove my client’s guilt,” Alić said.
The defenses of Delalić and Sarajlić did not present opening statements. The hearing of the first witnesses is planned for April 1, reports Detektor/BIRN BiH.
