THE HAGUE/ZAGREB, Nov 28 (Hina) - The status conference in the case of Vladimir Kovacevic aka Rambo before the UN war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was held almost in its entirety behind closed doors in The Hague on
Friday because of the indictee's poor health.
THE HAGUE/ZAGREB, Nov 28 (Hina) - The status conference in the case
of Vladimir Kovacevic aka Rambo before the UN war crimes tribunal
for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was held almost in its entirety
behind closed doors in The Hague on Friday because of the indictee's
poor health. #L#
Kovacevic, a captain of the former Yugoslav People's Army (JNA), is
charged with violations of laws and customs of war during the JNA's
attacks on Croatia's Adriatic resort of Dubrovnik in 1991.
Kovacevic's initial appearance before the ICTY, scheduled for 27
October, was postponed for 3 November because of his health
problems. Kovacevic is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD) and showing suicidal tendencies. On 3 November, he
did not enter a plea.
During the open part of Friday's session it was said that doctors
would be appointed to examine the indictee and the date of the next
hearing would be later set.
Kovacevic (aged 42) was nabbed in Serbia on 25 September and
transferred to The Hague on 23 October.
Under the amended six-count indictment, he is accountable for
murder, cruel treatment, devastation not justified by military
necessity, unlawful attacks on civilian objects, and the shelling
of Dubrovnik's centre, which is listed in the UNESCO's cultural
heritage.
The JNA units, commanded by Vladimir Kovacevic and other indictees,
launched attacks on Dubrovnik from territories of Montenegro and
Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as from the Adriatic Sea on 1 October
1991.
The shelling claimed the lives of 42 civilians, while hundreds were
wounded.
About 70 percent of old buildings, added to the UNESCO's list, were
hit by shells.
During the attacks, Kovacevic was the Commander of the Third
Battalion of the JNA Trebinje Brigade. He is indicted on the basis
of individual criminal responsibility and superior criminal
responsibility.
Another two indictees in this case are Pavle Strugar, a retired JNA
general, and Miodrag Jokic, a JNA admiral.
Strugar, who surrendered voluntarily on October 2001, was in the
meantime temporarily released pending trial.
The third indictee, Admiral Jokic, pleaded guilty and has been
temporarily released pending sentencing.
Charges against the fourth indictee, Admiral Milan Zec, were
dropped because of lack of evidence.
(hina) ms