7 SIBENIK POLICEMEN REMAIN IN CUSTODY OVER ITALIAN'S DEATH

( Editorial: --> 8906 ) SIBENIK, Sept 8 (Hina) - Seven policemen from Sibenik, a seaside town on the central Adriatic coast, who are believed to be responsible for the death of an Italian citizen, have been kept in custody after being arrested on September 5. An investigation has been launched into the case. The seven policemen were apprehended under suspicion that they committed the crimes of "maltreatment in performing official duties and inflicting serious physical injuries which resulted in death during the apprehension of Ricardo Cetina, aged 44, from Genoa". The decision on their further detention was made by the investigating judge of the Sibenik County Court, the County state attorney Zeljko Zganjer told reporters on Tuesday. Josip B., aged 21, Nikica G., 29, Petar B., 22, Mirko N., 34, Ivica K., 31, Ivan K., 34, and Dorino B., 30, may be kept in custody for one month, after which period their detention may be extended. One policeman is defending himself by silence, while the other six engaged lawyers, Zganjer told reporters. For their crimes they may be sentenced to more than eight years in prison. An official autopsy report has not been completed yet, Zganjer said. "(...) the cause of Ricardo Cetina's death is serious head trauma," he told reporters. Cetina, a stomatologist, was arrested on September 2 after being reported for disturbing public order in a Sibenik restaurant. During a police car chase along the coast, Cetina caused a minor accident and eventually resisted arrest. The policemen beat him up. During the night the unconscious Cetina was transferred first to a hospital in Sibenik, and later to Split, where he died on September 3. (hina) ha jn/mbr 081514 MET sep 98