HOUSE OF COUNTIES CONFIRMS OLUJIC'S DISMISSAL

ZAGREB, Nov 10 (Hina)- The House of Counties of the Croatian Parliament on Tuesday confirmed a dismissal by the State Judicial Council, that Krunislav Olujic be removed from the post of the President of the Croatian Supreme Court. The confirmation, which was passed by a simple majority, also includes Olujic's dismissal from the duty of the Supreme Court judge. The original decision of Olujic's dismissal was annulled in April 1998 by the Constitutional Court. In a renewed process in October 1998 the State Judicial Council found Olujic responsible of "associating with Branimir Culin and Samir Sabanovic, while President of the Supreme Court and appearing with them at public places, although he knew that they had committed several acts punishable by law". Olujic's appeal to the House of Counties was rejected on Tuesday as ungrounded. The appeal was considered by the House's committee for the judiciary, elections and nominations. The Committee has found irrefutable and well substantiated proof of Olujic's guilt, reported the committee president Ivan Novosel on Tuesday. The committee did not take into consideration Olujic's objections about breaches of procedure during the collection of evidence, explaining that the House does not act as a second instance appeal body in relation to the SJC. The committee's decision was shortly debated only by the Opposition, which suggested that the case should be referred back to the SJC for a retrial. The Opposition believes that Olujic's rights have also been violated by the SJC's decision to conduct the proceedings behind closed doors. The Opposition stressed that the case has outgrown Croatia and attained an international reputation. Thus, it has been referred in a report by the Council of Europe and in a report by Special UN Human Rights RAPPORTEUR. (Hina) mr