Croatia Upholds Officer’s Conviction for ‘Medak Pocket’ War Crime

The Croatian Supreme Court announced on Tuesday that it has confirmed the verdict sentencing former army officer Josip Krmpotic to three years in prison for committing war crimes against civilians during the 'Medak Pocket' operation in southern Croatia, but acquitting him of failing to prevent the killing of prisoners of war.

"The defendant was correctly convicted because in 1993, as a military commander, he ordered the burning and demolition of civilian houses," the court said in a statement explaining the verdict, which was handed down in March.

"Subordinate members of the army carried out this order and this resulted in the large-scale destruction of property that was not justified by military objectives and needs," it added.

In the verdict handed down by Zagreb County Court in October 2016, Krmpotic was also acquitted of not preventing the killings of four Serb prisoners of war. The Supreme Court upheld this part of the verdict too, saying that these charges were not proven at the trial.

The Supreme Court also said that it took into account all mitigating and aggravating circumstances.

"The court assessed that the accused had not been convicted before, he was a participant in the Homeland War, [which caused him] health problems as a result of injuries and mental disorders… He is the father of four children," the court stated.

In September 1993, the Croatian Army launched a limited military operation in the area known as the Medak Pocket to push back Serb forces from the town of Gospic.

After the success of the operation, the UN asked the Croatian Army to pull back to its original positions.

During the withdrawal, Croatian troops killed 23 Serb civilians and four captured soldiers and destroyed several villages.<...