Press Release . Communiqué de presse
(Exclusively for the use of the media. Not an official document)

 
CC/PIU/313-E
The Hague, 7 May 1998

KOVACEVIC CASE

Trial Chamber will hear arguments on Prosecutor’s Motion
for joinder of accused on Monday 11 May 1998

Trial Chamber II (Judge May, presiding, Judge Cassese and Judge Mumba) will hear, on Monday 11 May 1998 at 10 AM arguments regarding a motion filed by the Prosecution for joinder of accused and concurrent presentation of evidence in KOVACEVIC, KVOCKA & RADIC and ZIGIC cases. The Chamber’s decision will determine whether or not the KOVACEVIC trial will begin on 11 May, as initially scheduled.

Background
Milan Kovacevic was indicted on 13 March 1997 on a charge of complicity of genocide for his role in the establishment and conduct of the Omarska, Keraterm and Trnopolje camps. The accused was transferred to The Hague on 11 July 1997. He entered a plea of not guilty on 30 July 1997.

Miroslav Kvocka and Mladen Radic are two of the 19 accused named in the indictment Meakic & others issued by the ICTY on 13 February 1995. Both accused held positions of leadership in the Omarska camp and are individually charged with 3 counts of Crimes against Humanity, 4 counts of Violations of the Laws or Customs of War, and 4 counts of Grave Breaches of the Geneva Conventions. They were transferred to the ICTY on 9 April 1998 and entered a not guilty plea on 14 April 1998.

Zoran Zigic is named in two indictments – Meakic & others and Sikirica & others (issued on 21 July 1995) for his alleged conduct in Omarska and Keraterm camps. He is charged with numerous counts of Crimes against Humanity, Violations of the Laws or Customs of War, and Grave Breaches of the Geneva Convention. On 20 April 1998, at the initial appearance hearing, Zigic entered a not guilty plea on the 54 counts.

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