On Monday 15 March 2010, the trial of Zuhdija Tabaković commenced at the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Tabaković is charged with six counts of contempt for false statements and bribery committed during the trial of Milan and Sredoje Lukić.

Milan Lukić and his cousin, Sredoje Lukić, were convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity in July 2009, and were sentenced to life and 30 years’ imprisonment respectively. The Indictment against Tabaković alleges that in October 2008, Milan Lukić’s defence case manager gave Tabaković a pre-written statement to sign in exchange for 1,000 euros, despite Tabaković not having witnessed the events described in the statement. Tabakovic also agreed to appear before the Tribunal and confirm the veracity of the statement in exchange for more money.

Tabaković is further charged with having procured false statements from two men, in exchange for money. According to the Indictment, Tabaković offered the men money to sign and testify to pre-written statements for Lukić’s defence.

The Indictment against Tabaković was filed confidentially on 30 October 2009 and confirmed on 17 November 2009. A public redacted version was filed on 22 December 2009.

In his initial appearance, on 21 December 2009, Tabaković pleaded not guilty to all six counts of contempt.