Witnesses Claim Police Altered Testimonies in War Crimes Trial

The trial of Dragutin Ćelap, accused of killing civilian Marko Matijević in 1991, continues to be marked by controversy and conflicting testimonies. As reported by Večernji List, several witnesses have come forward alleging that police investigators manipulated their statements during the pre-trial phase. This raises serious questions about the integrity of the evidence presented in court.

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Before the interrogation, I had never heard of it, and I don't understand where this story came from.

Witnesses Radislav Vilenica and Dragan Ivošević have specifically stated that police added details to their testimonies without their consent. Vilenica claims he never heard of a specific group within the Territorial Defense of Pokupsko until it was presented to him during questioning, and that parts of his statement were fabricated. Ivošević echoed these claims, stating that a section about a special unit was added to his statement, which he had not made. He even noted that a police officer dictated the information to another officer who was writing the report.

These allegations of police misconduct are deeply concerning, especially in a war crimes trial. The defense will likely use these claims to challenge the prosecution's case. The fact that witnesses are coming forward with such serious accusations against the investigators themselves highlights a potential breakdown in the justice process. Večernji List will continue to follow this case closely, as the credibility of the testimonies and the fairness of the trial are now in question.

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I don't remember my testimony, but that part which says I said there was a special group was added. It was prepared in advance.

It is crucial for the court to thoroughly investigate these claims of altered testimonies. If proven true, it could have significant implications for the outcome of the trial and the public's trust in the judicial system. The defense's argument that the police tampered with evidence could lead to a dismissal of charges or a retrial. The public deserves a fair and transparent legal process, and any attempt to manipulate evidence must be addressed head-on.

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I never saw that record. I neither received nor read the record, but I know what I testified.