BAER RECOMMENDS INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL EXPERT TEAM FOR SAKIC CASE

ZAGREB, Mar 4 (Hina) - B'nai B'rith, the international Jewish organisation, will request the establishment of an international medical expert team to evaluate the physical and mental condition of Dinko Sakic, accused of war crimes committed during World War Two Croatia. A trial against Sakic was to begin at the Zagreb County Court on Thursday, but was adjourned for March 15 due to the defendant's poor health. B'nai B'rith president Tommy Baer told reporters in Zagreb on Thursday he would request and recommend the establishment of an international team of medical experts who would assist the court in evaluating Sakic's physical and mental condition and determine whether the defendant was capable of partaking in the trial against him. Baer said he could accept the court's decision on the postponement of the trial based on doctors' opinions, but pointed out the trial must resume as soon as possible given the seriousness and importance of the case. Baer arrived in Croatia to attend the Sakic trial at a Croatian government's request. Sakic was the commander of a concentration camp in WW2 Croatia, accused of the death of 2,000 camp prisoners. Baer said Sakic's health could not be overlooked, but added he feared it was a postponement tactic aimed at decreasing the attention the world has given the case which, according to Baer, is of enormous historical significance not only for Croatia, but for the entire region, the world, and Jews everywhere. (hina) ha mm