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Press Release
. Communiqué de presse
JL/PIU/367-E FURUNDZIJA CASE: THE JUDGEMENT WILL BE PRONOUNCED ON 10 DECEMBER 1998 Trial Chamber II, consisting of Judge Mumba (presiding), Judge Cassese and Judge May, will hand down its judgement in the Furundzija case on Thursday 10 December 1998 at 2 p.m., pursuant to Article 23 of the Statute and Rule 98ter of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence. In accordance with rule 87 (c) of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, the Chamber will render a judgement, and if the accused is found guilty of some or all of the charges brought against him, impose sentences. Background: According to the indictment, Anto Furundzija was a commander of an HVO Special Forces group, called the Jokers, during the war, and he was based at the Jokers’ headquarters (the "Bungalow") in Vitez. According to the indictment, he was at the "Bungalow" on or about 15 May 1993 to question two prisoners who were being mistreated by another member of the Jokers. Allegedly, Anto Furundzija was present while a prisoner was sexually assaulted and did nothing to stop it. The accused was detained by members of the SFOR forces on 18 December 1997. He pleaded not guilty during his initial appearance on 19 December 1997. The amended indictment of 2 June 1998 charges the accused with two counts of Violations of the laws or customs of war (torture and outrages upon personal dignity, including rape). The trial began on 8 June 1998 and was completed on 22 June after seven hearing days. However, while the Judges were considering their judgement, the Defence filed a motion on 9 July "to strike the testimony of Witness A due to prosecutorial misconduct or, in the event of a conviction, for a new trial". A motion hearing was held on 14 July, during which the Trial Chamber ordered the reopening of the proceedings in order for the Defence to recall for (cross) examination any witness to address any treatment or counselling received by Witness A, and to call any new evidence in this regard. The Prosecution was granted the right to call witnesses in rebuttal, if required. The trial reopened on 9 November 1998 and finished on 12 November 1998. Part of the sessions were closed to the public. In total, the Prosecution called 6 witnesses and two rebuttal witnesses. The Defence called 4 witnesses, one sentencing witness and one rejoinder witness.
If you wish to attend the judgement hearing in the Furundzija Trial, please fill out the form below and fax it back to the Public Information Unit before 8 December 1998. MEDIA ACCREDIATION TO BE FAXED BACK TO : +31 (0) 70 416 53 55
Special note for radio and TV:
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