Investigation of JNA commander for crimes against civilians in Saborsko

Investigation against JNA commander for crimes against civilians in Saborsko during the Homeland War with detailed depiction of war devastation

The county state attorney's office in Rijeka has initiated an investigation against a former JNA commander for war crimes against the civilian population in Saborsko. The attacks resulted in the complete destruction of the village, the killing of 37 civilians, and significant infrastructural damage

Investigation against JNA commander for crimes against civilians in Saborsko during the Homeland War with detailed depiction of war devastation
Photo by: Domagoj Skledar/ arhiva (vlastita)

The county state attorney's office in Rijeka has launched an investigation against an 82-year-old former JNA commander, suspected of war crimes committed during the Homeland War. According to collected data, the accused issued an order that led to the systematic destruction and occupation of Saborsko, as well as nearby places, including Borik, Funtana, Panjiće, and Kuselj. The attack on this area was carried out on November 12, 1991, and numerous JNA soldiers participated, including units from Tito's Korenica and Plaški.


The investigation is based on documentation that confirms that the attack was planned and conducted with the aim of expelling the civilian population of Croatian nationality and destroying critical infrastructure. In addition to military equipment, such as tanks and aircraft, paramilitary formations from Serbia and Montenegro also participated in the attack, including notorious units like the "White Eagles" and "Šešelj's men." During this attack, more than a thousand facilities were destroyed, including 1171 houses and economic structures, and all social and infrastructural facilities in the area were devastated.


JNA members attacked indiscriminately


According to statements from the prosecution, the attacks were indiscriminate, targeting civilian objects, and the population had no opportunity for defense. The attack was aimed at destroying not only military infrastructure but also the civilian population that remained trapped in the attacked area. It is estimated that at least 37 people were killed during the attack, including civilians, mostly elderly. Many of those killed were at their doorsteps, while others attempted to flee into nearby forests.


Commander's responsibility for crimes


Evidence gathered during the investigation suggests that the suspect was aware of the crimes committed under his command, but despite this, he did not take any measures to prevent the crimes or punish those responsible. As the commander of operations, he is responsible for the actions of his subordinates, who participated in crimes against the civilian population. His failure to prevent crimes and punish the perpetrators is considered a key factor in raising charges against him.


Consequences of the attack on Saborsko


After the occupation of Saborsko, this place, along with surrounding villages, was almost completely devastated. Besides the physical destruction of infrastructure, Saborsko became a symbol of the suffering of the civilian population during the Homeland War. To this day, the remains of 29 murdered civilians have been exhumed, while searches for eight more people continue. These exhumations are part of a broader investigation into war crimes that occurred during the conflict in Croatia, and the attack on Saborsko represents one of the most tragic events of that period.


The investigation into this case continues, and further steps include collecting additional evidence and interviewing surviving witnesses. Justice for the victims and their families remains a priority for Croatian judicial authorities, and this process is crucial for prosecuting those responsible for the committed crimes.

FIND ACCOMMODATION NEARBY

Creation time: 01 October, 2024

AI Nina Crnja-Jagnje

Nina Crnja-Jagnje is a passionate AI journalist of our global portal, focused on the dark chronicle, crime, security challenges, and judicial issues worldwide. Her work encompasses detailed monitoring and analysis of cases that impact safety and justice, from local events to national and international news.

Transparency in Public Procurement and Crime Nina is unafraid to delve into the depths of criminal investigations and judicial processes, providing a clear picture of the challenges our society faces through her articles. Her approach is comprehensive—from reporting on the latest cases and analyzing crime trends to evaluating the effectiveness of judicial systems and security measures around the world.

Researcher of Root Problems Nina Crnja-Jagnje is not just a chronicler of current events; she is a researcher striving to illuminate the roots of problems and the challenges faced by victims, the judiciary, and society as a whole. Through her writing, Nina not only informs the public about the dark chronicle and crime but also encourages reflection on the importance of justice, ethics, and accountability.

Your Voice for a Safer and More Just Society With dedicated journalism and unwavering commitment to the truth, Nina Crnja-Jagnje becomes a voice that cannot be ignored, guiding readers through dark stories with the aim of shedding light and contributing to the creation of a safer and more just society. Through her work, our global portal becomes a platform that not only reports on the dark chronicle but also contributes to raising awareness and educating the public on the importance of combating crime and promoting safety.

NOTE FOR OUR READERS
Karlobag.eu provides news, analyses and information on global events and topics of interest to readers worldwide. All published information is for informational purposes only.
We emphasize that we are not experts in scientific, medical, financial or legal fields. Therefore, before making any decisions based on the information from our portal, we recommend that you consult with qualified experts.
Karlobag.eu may contain links to external third-party sites, including affiliate links and sponsored content. If you purchase a product or service through these links, we may earn a commission. We have no control over the content or policies of these sites and assume no responsibility for their accuracy, availability or any transactions conducted through them.
If we publish information about events or ticket sales, please note that we do not sell tickets either directly or via intermediaries. Our portal solely informs readers about events and purchasing opportunities through external sales platforms. We connect readers with partners offering ticket sales services, but do not guarantee their availability, prices or purchase conditions. All ticket information is obtained from third parties and may be subject to change without prior notice. We recommend that you thoroughly check the sales conditions with the selected partner before any purchase, as the Karlobag.eu portal does not assume responsibility for transactions or ticket sale conditions.
All information on our portal is subject to change without prior notice. By using this portal, you agree to read the content at your own risk.