Bosnia and Herzegovina war crimes trials

The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina is conducting several war crimes trials related to the conflict in the 1990s.

In the ‘Dobrovoljačka’ trial, witnesses provided testimony regarding attacks, killings, and abuses involving Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) members and civilians in early 1992. The proceedings involve high-ranking political, military, and police figures accused of these actions. Testimony highlighted the chaotic state of local defense units and discrepancies regarding the movement of weapons and personnel during that period.

In a separate proceeding, the trial of Mensud Keleštura and Hazim Jašarević focuses on an artillery attack on a children's playground in Vitez on June 10, 1993. The indictment alleges a 120mm mortar shell killed eight children and injured five others. Witnesses provided emotional accounts of the incident, while the defendants, accused of ordering and executing the attack, have pleaded not guilty.

Recent developments include the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina seeking a conviction for Šerif Patković. Patković, accused of acting as a commander in the Seventh Muslim Brigade, is alleged to have murdered Zvonko Rajić, an unarmed and wounded HVO commander, near Zenica in 1993. Witness testimonies described the disarmament of HVO members and the shooting of Rajić during an attempt to flee, with one witness stating that Patković later claimed responsibility.

Additionally, testimony was provided regarding an attack on a JNA column involving Ejup Ganić and others. A witness described being beaten and observing personnel being shot during the incident, which resulted in the deaths of two colonels and a civilian.