Newsroom
OSCE calls for review of Kosovo genocide conviction
PRISTINA 19 January 2001
PRISTINA, 19 January 2001 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is calling for a review of the genocide conviction of Miroslav Vukovic.
OSCE legal monitors attended the trial, which took place in Mitrovicë/Kosovska Mitrovica, from its start in October. The OSCE is very concerned with his conviction, which they believe, is inconsistent with the evidence heard in the court.
Vukovic was charged with genocide following activities between March and May 1999 in which he allegedly killed two people, assisted in the displacement of a number of people and looted houses. Vukovic was acquitted of the two murders.
The OSCE recommends that an appeal before an international panel of judges, as set out in applicable law, be expedited. Under Regulation 2000/64 certain interested parties can ask for trials and appeals be transferred to an international prosecutor and appeal panel.
The OSCE has a mandate to monitor human rights throughout Kosovo. It has a team dedicated to monitoring the legal system including cases which include an international prosecutor or judge.
For further information, contact OSCE Spokesperson Claire Trevena Tel: (+381-38) 500-162 ext. 260 / mobile: +377 (044) 500-150 / email: press@omik.org //www.osce.org/kosovo/
OSCE legal monitors attended the trial, which took place in Mitrovicë/Kosovska Mitrovica, from its start in October. The OSCE is very concerned with his conviction, which they believe, is inconsistent with the evidence heard in the court.
Vukovic was charged with genocide following activities between March and May 1999 in which he allegedly killed two people, assisted in the displacement of a number of people and looted houses. Vukovic was acquitted of the two murders.
The OSCE recommends that an appeal before an international panel of judges, as set out in applicable law, be expedited. Under Regulation 2000/64 certain interested parties can ask for trials and appeals be transferred to an international prosecutor and appeal panel.
The OSCE has a mandate to monitor human rights throughout Kosovo. It has a team dedicated to monitoring the legal system including cases which include an international prosecutor or judge.
For further information, contact OSCE Spokesperson Claire Trevena Tel: (+381-38) 500-162 ext. 260 / mobile: +377 (044) 500-150 / email: press@omik.org //www.osce.org/kosovo/