- Published: 10.01.2023.
Croats in Zambia plead not guilty, hearing shifted to Thursday
"We found out that the hearing was postponed until Thursday. Today's arraignment started with a slight delay with occasional adjournments due to technical reasons. All the accused were supposed to participate in the hearing in a language they understood, so it prolonged the hearing a bit," Grlić Radman told reporters.
The minister said that the indictment was read to them. "They pleaded not guilty. Their defense attorney asked that they be released on bail, so we are waiting for Thursday, which will bring news," he added.
Grlić Radman said the Croatian citizens "are accused of attempted child trafficking, which needs to be proven."
"The Croatia Foreign Ministry wants the Zambian authorities to treat them in detention humanely, to provide them with food and medicine and everything that is necessary, all the conditions recognised by the convention. This is our concern, but we cannot go into the merits of the case," Grlić Radman said, reiterating that his ministry did not participate in any procedure regarding the adoption of Congolese children.
Dodik's decision to award Putin deserves condemnation
The decision by the Bosnian Serb entity of Republika Srpska to award a medal to Russian President Vladimir Putin was met with condemnation, Gordan Grlić Radman said, adding that this move by the Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik was an act of politicking.
The minister recalled that the medal was given to Putin at the time "when Russia's invasion of Ukraine is being condemned by the whole world."
"I do not know why Mr. Dodik has done this. He often resorts to such rhetoric, he keeps threatening, however this has not constituted a threat to peace," said Grlić Radman, adding that the EU and NATO have tools to repel any threat.
Grlić Radman said that Dodik is inclined to politicking and to playing games so that the world could be occupied with what he has said and with analysing his rhetoric for days.
Text: Hina/MFEA