BERAK RETURNEES STILL PROTESTING

BERAK, May 9 (Hina) - Croatian returnees to the village of Berak in the Danube River area continued their protest rally on Sunday. About 300 returnees have been protesting for two days to express their indignation at the fact that criminal proceedings for war crimes have not so far been instigated against those people from Berak whom they suspect of having committed such crimes during the Serb aggression against this part of Croatia in 1991 and 1992 when the village was occupied by Serb rebels. Last Thursday a mass grave was discovered in Berak, and several dead bodies have been disinterred to date. In addition, Berak's 28 residents are still registered as missing persons. Their whereabouts have been unknown since the occupation of the village. Protesters are confident that people whom they are accusing of war crimes, know what happened with the missing villagers. Late last night the first incident occurred during these calm rallies, when a group of female protesters physically attacked Ilija Mirilovic, a villager of the Serb descent, who is said to have been one of organisers of the Serb rebellion in Berak in 1991 and to have held commanding posts while the village was occupied. Overnight returnees kept a vigil near the Cross erected in the centre of Berak, for victims of the Serb aggression. They also lit candles in front of houses of those Serbs whom they hold accountable for war crimes. The authorities of Berak and the municipality of Tompojevci are to hold sessions on Monday to discuss the events. (hina) ms .