JUDGES' ASSOCIATION SLAMS CONDUCT OF ZAGREB MOBSTERS' DEFENCE

ZAGREB, Oct 18 (Hina) - The Croatian Judges' Association believes the attorneys of a group of accused Zagreb mobsters behaved in an extremely unprofessional manner by leaving the courtroom on Monday in protest over the location of the trial. Their act represents an arrogant attempt to ignore the dignity of the court, judges' association president Vladimir Gredelj said in Wednesday's letter to the Croatian Bar Association. Thirteen defence attorneys left a courtroom at the Zagreb County Court dissatisfied with a decision under which their clients were to undergo trial at the Zagreb district prison. They referred to the bar association's stance that a trial in prison was inappropriate as it restricted the legality of the proceedings and prejudged the defendants' guilt. Gredelj said he agreed in principle with the position that a trial held in prison was inappropriate, but pointed out that in making a decision to that effect, Zagreb County Court president Miroslav Sumanovic had considered the "inadequate premises" of the County Court. Gredelj expects the bar association will take a position on its members' conduct who, by failing to comply with the decisions, jeopardise the establishment of the rule of law, he said. If they want to contribute to the establishment of the rule of law, Croatian lawyers have to respect court decisions and obey, even when it is not to their liking, said Gredelj. The Zagreb County Court president yesterday gave the defendants court-appointed attorneys. If the former defence comes forward with renewed power of attorney, the one appointed by the court will be relieved of duty, said Drazen Tripalo, president of the Zagreb County Court penal department. He confirmed the court had forwarded a note to the district prison's governor prohibiting the former attorneys from having any contact with the accused. (hina) ha jn