CHARGES PRESSED AGAINST MANJACA TORTURER

SPLIT, May 24 (Hina) - The Split District Attorney today pressed charges of war crimes against Mirko Graorac (53), born in Bainci (Bosnia-Herzegovina). Graorac allegedly held the post of chief of guards at the Serb-run Manjaca detention camp near Banja Luka, where over 4,000 Croat and Moslem civilians and prisoners-of-war were held. Graorac allegedly ordered his subordinates to slaughter seven inmates and attended the execution. He is also accused of physically abusing inmates on a daily basis, often inflicting grievous bodily harm. Several prisoners died as a result of this abuse. A retired police officer, Graorac left Split in early 1992, and immediately joined paramilitary Serb units in Bosnia- Herzegovina. In early 1995, Graorac had the cheek to return to Split, where he was recognised by Manjaca survivors. During investigation, Graovac has persistently denied all charges. He will, however, have to confront several surviving witnesses at the trial. (hina) jn as 241437 MET may 95