TWO INDICTEES IN ORESKOVIC WAR CRIMES TRIAL RELEASED

RIJEKA, Nov 17 (Hina) - Two residents of the central town of Gospic accused of war crimes over civilians were released on Friday at a proposal of the Rijeka County State Prosecutor's Office, Rijeka County Court investigating judge Sajonara Culina told reporters. Ivan Jovanovic and Joso Miletic, however, are still under investigation. Deputy county state prosecutor Doris Hrast told reporters the witnesses examined thus far did not mention Jovanovic and Miletic, which does not mean the two will be ultimately excluded from the indictment if new incriminating facts come to the surface. First indictee Tihomir Oreskovic and another two defendants remain in custody, although in case of new facts, one of them might be released, said Hrast. Asked if the investigation might include new suspects, he said it was possible although too early to say. Jovanovic and Miletic's defence attorney said he was satisfied with the release, adding it was to be expected they would not be accused again as not one witness had tied them to the crimes. The two defendants said they were overjoyed to be returning to their families, voicing hope the course of the investigation would prove they had nothing to do with the events in the indictment. The five Gospic residents were arrested in September in connection with 1991's war crimes against civilians. (hina) ha