News Summary
Sead Miljkovic, a resident of East Ridge, was acquitted of two counts of torture related to his actions during the Bosnian War. The verdict came after jurors deliberated for approximately two hours. The trial highlighted allegations of torture against unarmed prisoners of war in the 1990s, with witness testimonies revealing traumatic experiences. Miljkovic’s defense argued the actions did not meet the criteria for torture, bringing attention to the complexities of war crime allegations. This trial underscores the ongoing debate regarding justice for historical war crimes.
Chattanooga – Sead Miljkovic, a resident of East Ridge, was found not guilty of two counts of torture related to his actions during the Bosnian War. This verdict was reached by jurors after approximately two hours of deliberation at the Chattanooga federal courthouse. The emotional reaction from Miljkovic’s wife was palpable, as she gasped and cried out upon hearing the jury’s decision. Following the announcement, Miljkovic’s defense attorney, Logan Davis, warmly embraced him, and his colleague, Bryan Hoss, celebrated the verdict with high-fives to attendees in the courtroom.
Miljkovic was accused of torturing two unarmed prisoners of war, Emir Pehlic and Ibro Nuhanovic, from 1994 to 1995. The trial involved translators for the majority of the witnesses, many of whom had Bosnian as their first language. The U.S. government facilitated witness travel and accommodations, with some witnesses traveling over 5,000 miles to testify and staying in a hotel for more than nine days for the proceeding.
The defense team argued that Miljkovic’s actions did not constitute torture. They pointed out that there were no instances of sexual violence, which they emphasized as a significant factor in defining torture. According to them, the context of the ongoing war should also be taken into consideration when evaluating the actions of individuals such as Miljkovic.
Miljkovic was born in Velika Kladusa, which was the headquarters of the Autonomous Province of Western Bosnia during the civil war. He served as a guard at Stari Grad (Old Fort), where it is alleged that Pehlic and Nuhanovic were subjected to forced labor. Federal prosecutors accused Miljkovic of inflicting beatings and psychological trauma on the prisoners at the castle. Witness Nuhanovic identified Miljkovic as the individual who beat him, asserting that he would forever remember Miljkovic’s face.
Pehlic claimed that he was struck with a rubber baton and threatened with a bayonet, while Nuhanovic stated he was beaten with sticks and forced to fight fellow prisoners during his captivity. The prosecution highlighted a framed photograph of the Old Fort in Miljkovic’s home as evidence, stressing the significance of the location where the alleged torture took place.
The defense, however, suggested that the victims may have been motivated to fabricate their testimonies, hinting that their accounts had changed over time. In addition to the torture charges, Miljkovic is facing three counts of passport fraud associated with his false identity; he had immigrated to the United States under the name Sead Dukic and had lived in East Ridge for over 20 years under that alias.
This trial is notable for addressing alleged war crimes that took place almost three decades ago. As it unfolded, the prosecution focused on the serious nature of Miljkovic’s alleged torture, highlighting the ongoing effects these actions have had on the victims’ lives. The length of the trial could potentially extend into the weekend, depending on how witnesses conducted their testimonies.
This case serves as a reminder of the long-reaching consequences of war and the complexities surrounding justice for alleged war crimes committed in past conflicts. It draws attention to the broader issues of accountability and reconciliation in post-war societies, highlighting the importance of establishing a clear and fair legal framework for addressing such serious allegations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Trial Highlights Bosnian War Atrocities
Federal Trial Begins for Bosnian War Torture Case
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: East Ridge Man Acquitted of Bosnian War Torture
- News Channel 9: Trial Underway for East Ridge Man Accused of War Crimes in Bosnia
- Times Free Press: East Ridge Man Stands Trial for Alleged Bosnian War Crimes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bosnian War
- Google Search: Bosnian War Crimes
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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