Zagorec, suspected of abuse of office and embezzlement of some five million dollars from the state budget, once again objected to his extradition to Croatia.
Investigating judge Christine Forstner acquainted Zagorec with documents in the case and all charges filed by the Croatian judiciary, as well as with Croatia's request for his extradition. Asked if he agreed to be extradited to Croatia, Zagorec once again answered in the negative.
The judge then said that another hearing must be held at which it would be decided whether or not the retired general would be extradited to Croatia, adding that the hearing could be held at the end of this month or at the beginning of June. Zagorec requested that this hearing be held behind closed doors, although it is a custom in Austria that all extradition hearings are open for the public. Under the Austrian law, Zagorec can appeal the extradition decision before the Supreme State Court in Vienna.
Zagorec, who has been living in Austria for the past seven years, arrived at the hearing with a new attorney whose name was not revealed. The retired general avoided the Croatian press who waited for him at the main entrance.