12 February 2008
News
Rasevic and Todovic: Discussion on Material Evidence
BIRN BiHThe closing arguments at the trial of Mitar Rasevic and Savo Todovic are due to be presented on February 22.
The Trial Chamber has ordered the Defence of Savo Todovic and Mitar Rasevic to submit certificates from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) confirming the authenticity of material evidence objected to by the Prosecution.
The presentation of the certificates and the Prosecution's closing arguments are scheduled for February 22, 2008.
"We are still not ready to make a decision concerning the evidence. Most pieces of evidence originate from The Hague, but we are lacking a definitive confirmation that they are actually stored in the ICTY's database," Chairman Hilmo Vucinic said, asking the Defence to obtain an electronic verification of the disputed documents by the next hearing.
Rasevic and Todovic are charged with crimes against civilians detained in the Foca Correctional Facility. The five-count indictment charges them with having participated in the establishment and maintenance of a system of punishment and maltreatment of at least 700 prisoners in Foca. Rasevic was commander of guards in the detention camp, while Todovic was deputy manager.
At the hearing held on Tuesday, February 12, the Defence of Savo Todovic presented 12 pieces of material evidence, mostly appeals, requests or notifications submitted by the facility management team to the Foca Tactical Group.
"The facility did not address the Ministry of Justice, but the Tactical Group. This indicates that the army had controlled the facility to a large extent," Todovic's Defence attorney Jovan Debelica explained.
At this hearing, material evidence collected during an inspection conducted in the Foca facility in November last year was also presented. Photographs and video recordings showing the inside of the building and premises in which detainees were held were shown in the courtroom. Indictee Todovic was present during the inspection. At the request of the Trial Chamber, the indictee showed them the office that he had used.
The Prosecution of BiH has questioned the authenticity of certain pieces of evidence.
The trial is due to continue on February 18.
The presentation of the certificates and the Prosecution's closing arguments are scheduled for February 22, 2008.
"We are still not ready to make a decision concerning the evidence. Most pieces of evidence originate from The Hague, but we are lacking a definitive confirmation that they are actually stored in the ICTY's database," Chairman Hilmo Vucinic said, asking the Defence to obtain an electronic verification of the disputed documents by the next hearing.
Rasevic and Todovic are charged with crimes against civilians detained in the Foca Correctional Facility. The five-count indictment charges them with having participated in the establishment and maintenance of a system of punishment and maltreatment of at least 700 prisoners in Foca. Rasevic was commander of guards in the detention camp, while Todovic was deputy manager.
At the hearing held on Tuesday, February 12, the Defence of Savo Todovic presented 12 pieces of material evidence, mostly appeals, requests or notifications submitted by the facility management team to the Foca Tactical Group.
"The facility did not address the Ministry of Justice, but the Tactical Group. This indicates that the army had controlled the facility to a large extent," Todovic's Defence attorney Jovan Debelica explained.
At this hearing, material evidence collected during an inspection conducted in the Foca facility in November last year was also presented. Photographs and video recordings showing the inside of the building and premises in which detainees were held were shown in the courtroom. Indictee Todovic was present during the inspection. At the request of the Trial Chamber, the indictee showed them the office that he had used.
The Prosecution of BiH has questioned the authenticity of certain pieces of evidence.
The trial is due to continue on February 18.
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