Serbian documents show no basis for Purda´s trial

The accusatory document against Croatian war veteran Tihomir Purda shows no evidence that would justify starting criminal proceedings against him, Croatian Television has reported.The station reported that the document submitted by Serbia and reviewed by HTV's journalists contains no information that would warrant starting a trial against him.Purda is being charged with armed rebellion against the former Yugoslavia (SFRJ) and for violating Geneva conventions by having killed two wounded former Yugoslav Army (JNA) soldiers.The warrant for Purda's arrest was issued by an investigative judge from a military court in Belgrade. The same court suspended the procedure against Purda as he cannot be tried as a civilian on the first account, while the court had no jurisdiction over trying war crimes.The president of the Association of Croatian War Invalids (HVIDRA) Josip Djakic has demanded the removal of the Croatian ambassador to Belgrade over Purda's case. He believes the act would show dissatisfaction with Serbia's behaviour toward Croatian judiciary, in particular the State Attorney's Office in Osijek which said that there was no basis to try Purda.HVIDRA has also requested a freeze in diplomatic relations with Serbia until legal questions surrounding Croatian veterans are resolved.If Bosnia and Herzegovina decides to extradite Purda to Serbia, HVIDRA would seek Croatian Minister of Justice Drazen Bosnjakovic's resignation, the daily Jutarnji List writes.The Minister of Foreign Affairs Gordan Jandrokovic said that he is not certain that the ambassador's removal would help Purda's case."We will exhaust all legal means and act in Croatia's interest, but also in the interest of Mr. Purda," Jandrokovic said.Serbia has submitted a list of 34 Croatian veterans wanted for war crimes, out of which seven face arrest. Purda was detained at a border crossing between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and is currently awaiting a decision over his extradition to Serbia.

Source: Croatian Times Online News