The first suspect, a 44-year-old man from Cepin, denied the charges, while the second suspect, a 33-year-old man from Djakovo, stood mute.
After the hearing, Investigating Judge Ante Kvesic issued an order for an investigation and ruled that the second suspect be remanded in custody for up to 30 days. In the case of the first suspect, who has been in custody since September, the judge ordered that the investigation be expanded.
The two men are suspected of murdering four Serb civilians. The first suspect, who served as deputy commander of a Croatian army company, allegedly shot dead Stevan and Dragica Gvozdenovic, husband and wife, and their relative, Ljubomir Grandic, on 23 November 1991 for intimidation purposes and out of revenge. The two suspects are also alleged to have murdered one Savo Pavitovic, of Osijek, on 25 November 1991.