INVESTIGATING JUDGE QUESTIONS FORMER CHAIRWOMAN OF CRO POSTAL BANK MANAGEMENT BOARD

ZAGREB, Aug 10 (Hina) - Investigating judge Mirjana Rigljan on Thursday questioned Ljerka Ercegovic, former chairwoman of the Croatian Postal Bank (HPB) management board, who is suspected of having abused her powers in economic transactions and caused damage to the bank worth some 34 million kuna. Ercegovic was charged with five criminal acts of abuse of office on July 28. Another five persons were suspected of being Ercegovic's accessories. The questioning took place at a Zagreb hospital where Ercegovic (aged 46) is undergoing medical treatment. Judge Rigljan today ended her first hearing, having questioned all 10 suspects in the HPB case. The State Prosecutor's Office has requested detention for Ercegovic and another suspect, Vinko Hrkac, so that they are prevented from influencing witnesses. In the next 24 hours judge Rigljan will decide about the prosecution's request regarding an investigation against and detention for Ercegovic. Along with Ercegovic, who is suspected of having caused damage of 34 million kuna to the HPB to the benefit of the Globus Group, owned by Miroslav Kutle, also questioned in the proceedings was Kutle, who is suspected of having encouraged Ercegovic to commit the criminal act, and Dubrovnik Mayor Vido Bogdanovic, suspected of having forged an official document. (hina) rml