OLUJIC STILL CONSIDERS HIMSELF TO BE SUPREME COURT PRESIDENT

ZAGREB, 29 Nov (Hina) - Krunislav Olujic told a press conference Friday he still considered himself to be Supreme Court President until the State Judicial Council made the decision on his objection to the decision on his suspension. Olujic was suspended by the State Judicial Council on 26 November until the completion of a disciplinary procedure which is being conducted against him. The procedure was instigated on the proposal of the Croatian government because of 'reasonable doubt that while being in office of the Croatian Supreme Court President from January to August 1996, Olujic had sexual relationship with persons under age...' 'Since April 1995, by his influence and connections, Olujic has helped and interceded for two persons', although he knew that they had criminal records. Olujic and his defence, including Goran Mikulicic, Anto Nobilo and Ivan Kern, described the whole case as 'an illegal removal from the post, violation of procedure, creation of an image of presumed guilt without any evidence, which represents a violation of a constitutional and legal principle, since the defence has not been granted access to the documentation'. Olujic reiterated that the procedure was politically motivated, adding that 'there is an attempt aimed at introducing a tenet on the principle of one state power, instead of the tri- partition of power'. Statements in the Government request concerning the disciplinary procedure were 'not based on facts and they are completely false and absolutely untenable. The Government has now to present evidence on those statements and prove my alleged guilt', Olujic said. Olujic's defence said that numerous attorneys (more than 200) had expressed readiness to defend Olujic. (hina) rm jn 292017 MET nov 96