“If implementation of the National War Crimes Strategy continues at this pace the deadlines for completing these cases will be missed” said Principal Deputy High Representative Roderick Moore when he met ICTY Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz in Sarajevo today.
He informed the Chief Prosecutor that the current political stalemate in Bosnia and Herzegovina was also preventing advances in witness protection and the strengthening of the capacities of Prosecutors Offices across BiH.
PDHR Moore said that OHR will continue to monitor the implementation of the Strategy, but that it is clear that the domestic stakeholders must take full ownership over this process and increase the pace of work.
“Regional cooperation on war-crimes cases will also help prosecutors to bring war criminals to justice” said PDHR Moore. Chief Prosecutor Brammertz confirmed that the ICTY supports agreements on cooperation in war crimes prosecutions.
PDHR Moore and Chief Prosecutor Brammertz noted that four years has passed since the escape of Radovan Stankovic from prison in Foca and called on law enforcement agencies in BiH and Serbia to bring him back to justice. Radovan Stankovic was convicted of rape and crimes against humanity committed in Foca in 1992 by the BiH Court, “and is a danger to society wherever he is” said PDHR Moore.
Chief Prosecutor Brammertz underlined that Radovan Stankovic was the first ICTY indictee whose case was transferred to a national court as part of the Tribunal’s completion strategy.
PDHR Moore and Chief Prosecutor Brammertz agreed justice is a pre-requisite for lasting peace and reconciliation within BiH and the region. PDHR Moore said the OHR would continue to work closely with the ICTY to ensure full cooperation of the BiH’s authorities.