ZAGREB, June 8 (Hina) - The Zagreb County Court on Tuesday separated the proceedings on the extradition of Vinko Martinovic Stela and Mladen Naletilic-Tuta to the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The
extradition proceedings were separated at the request of Martinovic's attorney Branko Seric, who asked that the proceedings against his client be continued immediately, since a joint procedure is not possible due to Naletilic's illness and his inability to attend the proceedings. According to unofficial sources, the decision on Martinovic's extradition could be reached as early as today. The ICTY indictment charges Martinovic and Naletilic with crimes against humanity, grave violations of the Geneva Conventions and the violation of the laws or customs of war. In case the request of Martinovic's attorney is granted, the defendant and his attorney will have the right to appeal
ZAGREB, June 8 (Hina) - The Zagreb County Court on Tuesday separated
the proceedings on the extradition of Vinko Martinovic Stela and
Mladen Naletilic-Tuta to the International Criminal Tribunal for
Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
The extradition proceedings were separated at the request of
Martinovic's attorney Branko Seric, who asked that the proceedings
against his client be continued immediately, since a joint
procedure is not possible due to Naletilic's illness and his
inability to attend the proceedings.
According to unofficial sources, the decision on Martinovic's
extradition could be reached as early as today.
The ICTY indictment charges Martinovic and Naletilic with crimes
against humanity, grave violations of the Geneva Conventions and
the violation of the laws or customs of war. In case the request of
Martinovic's attorney is granted, the defendant and his attorney
will have the right to appeal to the Supreme Court and file a
complaint against the final verdict approving extradition.
Asked by the president of the panel of judges, Erna Drazancic, how
he pleaded to the ICTY indictment, Martinovic pleaded not guilty to
both the ICTY indictment and the charges for which he had received
an invalid verdict in Croatia.
"As I see it, my extradition to The Hague Tribunal is one of
preconditions for Croatia's admission to the Partnership for
Peace, which will enable its speedier economic development. If that
is the case, then you should decide to extradite me and I will not
object to such a decision", Martinovic said.
"It (the indictment) was not issued in The Hague but in Mostar and
Sarajevo by the Muslim-Bosniak intelligence services, which for
years have worked to describe me as a war criminal", Martinovic
said.
"It is sad that today I have to prove the sacred right to defend my
home and family", he said, adding the Zagreb County Court verdict
and the ICTY indictment were "a curtain hiding the real
criminals".
Deputy County State Attorney Marija Jambor said all conditions for
Martinovic's transfer to The Hague had been met.
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