Date: 31 August 2008
Organizer: International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
Venue: ICTY, The Hague

The trial of the two former high level officials of the Serbian Secret Service, Jovica Stanišić and Franko Simatović, has been postponed once more and is unlikely to recommence before the end of August 2008.

On 16 May, the ICTY Appeals Chamber granted Jovica Stanišić’s request to adjourn proceedings due to his health condition for a period of at least three months.

The decision reversed Trial Chamber III decision of 9 April 2008 in which it ordered a video-link be set up in the Tribunal’s detention unit which would allow the accused to follow the proceedings.

The start of trial has been repeatedly delayed due to the health condition of Jovica Stanišić who suffers from pouchitis, osteoporosis and kidney stones, and who continues to be treated for deep depression.

Jovica Stanišić and Franko Simatović are accused of participating in a joint criminal enterprise, whose alleged purpose was the forcible removal of non-Serbs from large areas of Croatia and BiH. Both accused are charged on the basis of individual criminal responsibility with four counts of crimes against humanity and one count of violation of laws and customs of war. On 28 July 2004, the Trial Chamber granted the motion for provisional release of the accused, which was later confirmed by the Appeals Chamber.

Presentation of the case: Jovica Stanišić
Presentation of the case: Franko Simatović