Zvizdić: We Take All needed Moves to Extend Legal Assistance to Naser Orić

In connection to yesterday’s arrest of Naser Orić, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BIH Dr Denis Zvizdić held a series of meetings in order to receive correct information on reasons for detention and status of Naser Orić. 

He talked with Ambassador of Switzerland in BIH Heinrich Muarer, who said that Orić was arrested by the Swiss border police, and that he has been on the Republic of Serbia’s warrant since this February. The Ambassador said he is in a constant contact with competent services in Bern and the he expects soon hearing before the Prosecutor, upon a request by the Federal Justice Office. He emphasised that all legal remedies will be at Orić’s disposal so that he might defend himself in this process, noting the commendable professionalism and justness of legal services in Switzerland.

Chairman Zvizdić said he was especially surprised for Orić was arrested under Interpol order, having regard that last February the Interpol Secretariat General deleted the name of Naser Orić from its data base, requesting all its member countries to remove all warrants from their national data bases.

He added that the arrest of Naser Orić took place in the time of preparations of commemoration of 20 years from genocide in Srebenica and that if Serbia requests Orić’s handover it would affect considerably relations between the two states and would undermine serious efforts towards reconciliation and development of good neighbourly relations. The arrest of Orić is especially concerning due to a fact that a signed Protocol between the BIH Prosecutor’s Office and Republic of Serbia Prosecutor’s Office for War Crimes guarantees procedures to take place in the country of indicted.

Ambassador Maurer said that the legal processes must be correct and without any faults.

Chairman Zvizdić said that, pending on specific sector competences all will be put at disposal capable to extend legal assistance to Naser Orić, so that a submission would be prepared within 14 days to annul such political warrantee sent to Swiss Ministry of Justice.

Chairman Zvizdić, also, talked with BIH Ambassador in Switzerland Boro Bronz, Chief Prosecutor of BIH Goran Salihović, Minister of Security of BIH Dragan Mektić, Director of Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies Mirsad Vilčić, and Naser Orić’s lawyer Vasvija Vidović.

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