ZAGREB MOBSTERS' DEFENDERS LEAVE COURTROOM

ZAGREB, Oct 16 (Hina) - The trial of Zagreb mobsters at the Zagreb County Prison ended before the main hearing officially started because most attorneys from the defence team left the courtroom. #L# Speaking on behalf of the defence, attorney Veljko Miljevic conveyed the stand of the Bar Association that the County Court Prison gymnasium, where the trial is being held, is not an appropriate venue and that it limits its lawfulness. The defenders requested a short recess in order to harmonise their stand with that of the Bar Association. The president of the panel of judges, Ratko Scekic, said he had nothing against their request, however, he would not discontinue the trial, after which most of the defenders left the courtroom. Scekic then asked the indictees whose defenders have left the room whether they wanted other defenders. Most of them refused this, after which judge Scekic established that legal conditions for conducting the main hearing no longer existed due to the defenders' departure. A discussion on whether Miljenko Zaja Krojf and Vladimir Tlustenko will be tried separately is underway. A decision on whether the trial will be continued is expected. (hina) jn rml