VUKOVAR, Oct 20 (Hina) - The Croatian True Revival (HIP) party branch in Vukovar-Srijem County has joined the county Co-ordinating Body of Homeland War Associations in its protest against the candidacy of Milos Vojnovic for Vukovar
County Court judge.
VUKOVAR, Oct 20 (Hina) - The Croatian True Revival (HIP) party
branch in Vukovar-Srijem County has joined the county Co-
ordinating Body of Homeland War Associations in its protest against
the candidacy of Milos Vojnovic for Vukovar County Court judge.
#L#
The party issued a statement on Sunday calling on the public to
"prevent Vojnovic's candidacy with all legal means".
The HIP states that it wants to "warn the public that the current
authorities in Vukovar County and the city of Vukovar intend to
appoint as judge a man who should be put on trial instead".
The party claims that "Vojnovic was the creator and instigator of
the Great-Serbian policy in the area, and one of the creators and
senior officials of the so-called "SAO Krajina". The party reminds
that Vojnovic had been sentenced for rebellion to 12 years in prison
by the Osijek County Court, but was later granted amnesty in
line with a Croatian government decision.
Vojnovic is now a vice-president of the Independent Democratic Serb
Party (SDSS) and member of the Vukovar City Council.
The HIP believes that his candidacy for County Court judge, which
has been assessed positively by the Judges' Council, "is yet
another concession to the SDSS".
Decisions on the appointment of judges are made by the State
Judicial Council (DSV).
A co-ordinating body gathering 18 war veterans and victims
associations from Vukovar, Vinkovci and Zupanja on Thursday wrote
to the DSV strongly protesting against Vojnovic's candidacy for
county court judge.
The body reminded that "during the Serb aggression and occupation
Vojnovic held important posts in the so-called 'SAO Krajina' and in
September 1992 the government of 'SAO Krajina' appointed him
Supreme Court president". It also reminded that Vojnovic was the
president of electoral commissions in a number of elections held on
Serb-held territories during the occupation.
Commenting on the letter Vojnovic said on Friday that nothing in it
was true, except for the fact that he had been sentenced and later
granted amnesty.
"Anything else is insinuation and speculation," Vojnovic told
Hina, adding that he did not intend to give up his candidacy.
(hina) rml