Bosnia: Witness Refuses to Testify Against Organized Crime Boss

News

A prosecution witness and a former member of Zijad Turković's organized crime group, refused to testify in court despite his previous agreement with prosecutors. The State Prosecutor Diana Kajmaković said that during preparations for his court appearance on Wednesday, witness Danijel Planinčić expressed a concern for his safety in prison, and said that he had been threatened. However, Planinčić denied this during the trial, saying that no one has threatened him, and that he is not afraid of anything. He also acknowledged that his refusal to testify meant a fine of €5,000.

November 3, 2011

The prosecution charged Turković with involvement in organized crime, drug and weapons smuggling, murder, extortion, and money laundering.

Planinčić pleaded guilty and was convicted in September this year for his participation in Turković's organized crime group. He is currently serving a six--and-a-half-year sentence. During his court appearance on Wednesday, Planinčić was supposed to testify about the murder of Rajko Milovanović, Turković’s former hit man, as well as the disposal of the bodies of two rivals who Turkovic allegedly wanted killed, Mario Tolić and Verner Ajdari.

Planinčić will have an opportunity to change his mind before the end of the trial. In the meantime, the prosecution is planning to submit the statement he provided during the investigative phase of the trial.

Read other articles tagged with:

Justice System Organ Trafficking Show more
Mario Tolic Planincic Rajko Milovanovic Turkovic Verner Ajdari Show more