CONSTITNL. COURT RULES IN FAVOUR OF EX-SUPREME COURT PRESIDENT

( Editorial: --> 7584 ) ZAGREB, April 17 (Hina) - The Constitutional Court on Friday ruled in favour of appellant Krunislav Olujic, whom the State Judicial Council had relieved of his duties as President of the Supreme Court in disciplinary proceedings in 1997. The Constitutional Court quashed the Council's decision and returned the case to the Council for further consideration. The Court found that this decision would not jeopardise the position of the current Supreme Court president, Milan Vukovic, who was appointed in accordance with the Constitution and law after the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against his predecessor. Olujic based his appeal on two grounds: the use of inadmissible evidence obtained by phone surveillance of third persons and the testimony of Ivan Milanovic, who was himself a member of the Judicial Council and as such an interested party. The Constitutional Court concurred with the appellant on both grounds. (hina) mm as /mb 171850 MET apr 98