ZAGREB ZAGREB, Feb 21 (Hina) - Croatian General Rahim Ademi, whom the war crimes tribunal in The Hague decided to release pending trial, on Thursday arrived in Zagreb, where he was welcomed by his family and representatives of the
Croatian government. "I thank all the journalists and the media for the support they have given me", was all Ademi said to a large group of journalists and photographers gathered at the Zagreb airport. Under a decision of the war crimes tribunal, Ademi is not allowed to speak to the media. Ademi's lawyer, Cedo Prodanovic, told reporters Ademi was one of the few to be temporarily released without having previously given a statement to the prosecutors. Prodanovic expects the trial against Ademi will begin at year's end at the earliest. Ademi has been in the Hague tribunal's custody since July 25, 2001, when he surrendered voluntarily. He is accused on commanding responsibility of crimes committed against Serb civilians during
ZAGREB, Feb 21 (Hina) - Croatian General Rahim Ademi, whom the war
crimes tribunal in The Hague decided to release pending trial, on
Thursday arrived in Zagreb, where he was welcomed by his family and
representatives of the Croatian government.
"I thank all the journalists and the media for the support they have
given me", was all Ademi said to a large group of journalists and
photographers gathered at the Zagreb airport. Under a decision of
the war crimes tribunal, Ademi is not allowed to speak to the
media.
Ademi's lawyer, Cedo Prodanovic, told reporters Ademi was one of
the few to be temporarily released without having previously given
a statement to the prosecutors.
Prodanovic expects the trial against Ademi will begin at year's end
at the earliest.
Ademi has been in the Hague tribunal's custody since July 25, 2001,
when he surrendered voluntarily. He is accused on commanding
responsibility of crimes committed against Serb civilians during
the Medak Pocket operation in 1993.
A Hague tribunal trial chamber on Wednesday accepted a request by
Ademi's defense for a temporary release pending trial. The request
was accompanied by guarantees from the Croatian government, a
recommendation from President Stjepan Mesic, and a letter from the
mayor of Split on behalf of the seaport's citizens.
The tribunal's decision includes rules of conduct Ademi has to
abide by. Among other things, he must not talk about the case with
anyone, apart from his lawyers.
Croatia is required to secure the implementation of conditions set
by The Hague Tribunal in the decision on releasing Ademi. Croatian
authorities are also obliged to take care of Ademi's personal
safety, and once a month inform the tribunal about how the
conditions for the temporary release are respected.
(hina) np sb