ZAGREB, June 9 (Hina) - The trial of Nevenka Tudjman, daughter of the first Croatian president Franjo Tudjman, on charges of corruption continued at the Zagreb County Court on Monday with indictee Igor Knezevic's description of his
business relationship with her.
ZAGREB, June 9 (Hina) - The trial of Nevenka Tudjman, daughter of
the first Croatian president Franjo Tudjman, on charges of
corruption continued at the Zagreb County Court on Monday with
indictee Igor Knezevic's description of his business relationship
with her. #L#
Knezevic said Tudjman helped him gain access to the state
administration so that he could more easily land contracts for the
instalment of switchboards, while he and his company carried out
those contracts.
Problems started when Tudjman demanded direct cash payments for her
services following her accountant's warning that her earnings far
exceeded her expenses.
Knezevic said he had his statement about the illegal activities
authenticated by a public notary. Despite the fact that he was also
incriminating himself, he said he wanted to leave a written trace as
he had no other choice. He added that he was ready to bear the
responsibility for the acts he was charged with.
The first joint deal involved Privredna Bank Zagreb, after which
their partnership resumed through the Science and Technology
Ministry, with Tudjman interceding with then Minister Ivica
Kostovic to appoint Knezevic the chief ministry official in charge
of telecommunications, which enabled him to gain access to
information as to which equipment the ministry needed and which
contracts were to be signed.
At the end of today's hearing, Tudjman's counsel Ante Vukorepa said
Knezevic was obviously fabricating events to incriminate his
client, but it would be proven in the course of the trial that "lies
are short-winged".
Knezevic's attorney Cedo Prodanovic said he could not comment on
the proceedings as they were underway.
Under the indictment, issued by the Office for the Prevention of
Corruption and Organised Crime (USKOK), Nevenka Tudjman is charged
with having used her social position while her father was in power
to help Knezevic land contracts for the instalment of switchboards
in a dozen faculties, institutes and public institutions.
Knezevic allegedly made several million kuna from the deals, while
Tudjman acquired some 230,000 euros in commission.
The trial resumes on September 24 with the questioning of
Knezevic.
(hina) rml sb