TRIAL OF ZAGREB MOBSTERS TO BE HELD IN ZAGREB PRISON GYMNASIUM

ZAGREB, Sept 25 (Hina) - The trial of members of the Zagreb Mafia will be held in the gymnasium of Zagreb's County Court prison in Remetinec because the Zagreb Court building lacks room for the main hearing, court president Miroslav Sumanovic said on Monday. Twenty members of the Zagreb Mafia, of whom most were arrested late last November, are charged with some 30 of the most serious crimes, including murder, association into a criminal organisation, extortion, and drug abuse. Explaining why the court building is inadequate for the trial, Sumanovic said the number of prisoners required a double number of offices to be used before the trial and during recesses, as well as a room for attorneys, a room where attorneys could talk to their clients and a room for witnesses. Commenting on objections by the defendants' attorneys that the trial in the prison gym would be held in "inhuman prison conditions," Sumanovic said there was no reason for concern. According to Sumanovic, another hall in the gymnasium would be used by the media. The court does not have funds to adjust, rent for several months or choose another building outside of the judicial system for the trial, he said, adding the only realistic solution was the gymnasium. The trial, which is expected to start next month, will be presided by judge Ratko Scekic. (hina) rml