ZAGREB MOBSTERS" DEFENCE REQUESTS MARINAC'S TESTIMONY BE STRICKEN FROM RECORD ZAGREB, Dec 13 (Hina) - The defence counsel for 13 people indicted for association into a criminal organisation, murder, attempted murder, extortion, drug
dealing and other serious criminal acts on Wednesday requested the testimony of protected witness Tomislav Marinac be stricken from the record. Marinac is the first person in the history of the Croatian judiciary to testify about the crimes of the Zagreb mob to which he belonged in exchange for his freedom. Attorney for defendant Nikica Jelavic, Marijan Svedrovic, argued Marinac had frequently expressed his personal opinions and conclusions, spoke about issues not relevant for the trial, and claimed the prosecution had been leading the witness. The entire testimony is based on irregularities, because "the institute of protected witness was not introduced so as to prove already established criminal acts, included in the indictment, but t
ZAGREB, Dec 13 (Hina) - The defence counsel for 13 people indicted
for association into a criminal organisation, murder, attempted
murder, extortion, drug dealing and other serious criminal acts on
Wednesday requested the testimony of protected witness Tomislav
Marinac be stricken from the record.
Marinac is the first person in the history of the Croatian judiciary
to testify about the crimes of the Zagreb mob to which he belonged in
exchange for his freedom.
Attorney for defendant Nikica Jelavic, Marijan Svedrovic, argued
Marinac had frequently expressed his personal opinions and
conclusions, spoke about issues not relevant for the trial, and
claimed the prosecution had been leading the witness.
The entire testimony is based on irregularities, because "the
institute of protected witness was not introduced so as to prove
already established criminal acts, included in the indictment, but
to uncover new facts," Svedrovic asserted.
Prosecutor Dunja Pavlicek Patak objected to the motion, stressing
Marinac's testimony had been carried out lawfully and in line with
regulations.
(hina) lml