The Republic of Croatia
Ministry of Justice
Zagreb
February 25, 1999
On the basis of the valid indictment against Dinko Ljubomir Sakic concerning the charge of committing crimes against humanity, international law and war crimes against a civilian population, the President of the Judiciary Council of the County Court in Zagreb, before whom the criminal proceedings were instituted, has scheduled a fixed time for the trial which will be held on the 4th of March, 1999.
During the course of the investigation, the investigating judge examined numerous witnesses, some of whom did not reside on the territory of the Republic of Croatia. Pursuant to existing negotiations concerning the extension of international legal aid, and on the basis of agreements which the Republic of Croatia has concluded with other states, the witnesses were formally sent an invitation to appear before the investigating judge to give evidence regarding Mr.Sakic. Some of the invited witnesses were resident in the territory of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. To facilitate this process, the County Court, in conjunction with the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia, did everything it could within the framework of its legal authority to ensure that all measures were undertaken which would guarantee the security of the witnesses during their stay in Zagreb, in addition to providing quality accommodation and access to the court to present their witness statements. Unfortunately, none of the called upon witnesses responded to the invitation to appear before the investigating judge.
As Mr. Sakic's trial begins, there remains the possibility that witnesses from the territory of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia may once again be called upon to provide testimony, in which case the County Court will ensure that all the necessary measures are undertaken which will guarantee a secure stay for the witnesses on the territory of the Republic of Croatia. In congruence with these measures, the costs of travel and accommodation for the witnesses will be covered, and there are plans to eventually organize the transport of witnesses to their accommodations in Zagreb.
The employees of the court police
will guarantee the security of every witness before the panel
of judges where they are due to provide witness statements,
while the Ministry of the Interior will take upon the responsibility
of providing security for these individuals during the course
of their stay in the Republic of Croatia.
Minister of Justice
Prof. Dr. Milan Ramljak