The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina handed down a first-instance verdict sentencing three former members of the Croatian Defense Council (HVO) to a total of 16 years in prison for crimes against the civilian population in the area of Mostar in 1993, while six others were acquitted.

Nedzad Tinjak was sentenced to 12 years in prison, Jure Kordic to three years, and Drazen Lovric was sentenced to one year. Tomislav Ancic, Dario Susac, Nuhan Sikalo, Dario Mihalj, Stanko Skobic and Slavko Golemac were acquitted, reports BIRN.

According to the indictment, the nine were accused of involvement in the imprisonment of Bosniaks in the “Heliodrom” and “Vojno” camps, persecution and severe abuse of the Bosniak population of Mostar.

Two more suspects were indicted, Nedjad Coric and Marinko Sunjic, but the proceedings were suspended due to their death.

The verdict can be appealed.