BERAK CONTINUE BERAK, may 10 (Hina) - Municipal authorities on Monday supported peaceful protests staged by about 300 Croatian returnees to the village of Berak, in east Croatia. About 300 Croat returnees have been protesting since
last Friday to show their indignation at the fact that none of local Serbs, whom they suspect of complicity in killings, persecution and harassment of Croats during the Serb aggression against eastern Croatia, including their village, has not so far been brought to justice.They staged the rally in Berak in the wake of the recent discovery of a mass grave in the village. Municipal heads have requested, at an extraordinary session held Monday, prompt trials against persons suspected o having committed war crimes. In order to re-establish normal life in Berak, it was suggested that further protests be organised by a one-our peaceful rally and payer at 5pm at the central cross in the village centre. Attending the Tompojevci municipal
BERAK, may 10 (Hina) - Municipal authorities on Monday supported
peaceful protests staged by about 300 Croatian returnees to the
village of Berak, in east Croatia.
About 300 Croat returnees have been protesting since last Friday to
show their indignation at the fact that none of local Serbs, whom
they suspect of complicity in killings, persecution and harassment
of Croats during the Serb aggression against eastern Croatia,
including their village, has not so far been brought to justice.
They staged the rally in Berak in the wake of the recent discovery of
a mass grave in the village.
Municipal heads have requested, at an extraordinary session held
Monday, prompt trials against persons suspected o having committed
war crimes.
In order to re-establish normal life in Berak, it was suggested that
further protests be organised by a one-our peaceful rally and payer
at 5pm at the central cross in the village centre.
Attending the Tompojevci municipal council meeting were also
county officials and county police representatives.
The protesters supported conclusions of the municipal council, but
decided to continue their protest until the authorities undertake
measures to bring Serbs from Berak, who they hold responsible for
crimes committed against Croats during the occupation of Berak, to
justice.
The protesters were addressed by MP Pero Cobankovic who said war
crimes had no statute of limitations, and all those who had
committed them would be held accountable eventually.
Protesters reprimanded the police for securing the homes of Serbs
in the village.
"We only ask of them to tell us where our husbands, fathers and sons
have been buried so we could give them a proper burial. We only want
the truth," they stressed.
They added they would not give up protesting at any price until they
learn the truth about their loved ones.
Twenty-nine residents of Berak are registered missing.
Fifty-two charges have been filed for war crimes against Croats and
terrorism in Berak back in 1992. However, all these people are
outside of the jurisdiction of Croatian laws.
Also, 15 charges have been filed for armed rebellion, but the people
have been amnestied by the President.
About ten per cent of the village population, 56 persons, were
killed during the Serb occupation of Berak.
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