Tolimir wants separate trial

The Hague, July 03 (Source: B92) – Zdravko Tolimir does not wish to be tried together with the seven other Bosnian Serb officers charged with the crimes in Srebrenica. Tolimir, former assistant for security and intelligence in the Bosnian Serb Army (VRS) Main Staff, about to undergo trial at the Hague on charges of genocide and other war crimes in Srebrenica and Žepa, is opposed to the prosecution’s motion to join his case with that of the seven other Bosnian Serb military and police officers charged with the same crimes.

The process, dubbed the Srebrenica Seven, started almost a year ago. In a short, hand-written motion Tolimir submitted to the Trial Chamber hearing the case against the seven accused officers, Tolimir asked the judges to dismiss the prosecution’s motion to join the two cases, dated June sixth. He says this would “substantially lengthen the entire trial and render it uncertain and complex.” In support of his argument, Tolimir pointed to the “fact” that in that case “the defense teams of all the accused would be entitled” to re-hear all the witnesses. Furthermore, his “health could have an adverse effect” on the preparations for trial.

Tolimir claimed that he would be able to prepare for trial more quickly if he were to be tried separately. Tolimir indicated that he would “define other reasons” against the joinder of the cases once he had appointed his defense counsel. This should be done by next Tuesday at the latest, SENSE has learned. Tolimir is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday and enter his plea on the charges.

He is charged with genocide and other crimes in Srebrenica and Žepa in July 1995. At his initial appearance, on June fourth, Tolimir refused to state his name, demanding that the Tribunal launch an in inquiry into the circumstances of his arrest and transfer to The Hague. This resulted in a postponement of his plea by thirty days. In the meantime, Tolimir identified himself in writing when he wrote and signed a motion opposing the prosecution’s motion to join his case with that of the seven Bosnian Serb military and police officers whose trial for the same crimes is underway.

Until the decision on this issue is made, it is unclear how the third Srebrenica trial will continue. The prosecution has asked for an adjournment of three to four months if the two cases are joined, in order to prepare for the continuation of the trial with one more accused in the dock.

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