Two ARBiH commanders indicted for 1993 Vitez playground massacre

The accused are Mensud Kelestura (66), known as "Keli," and Hazim Jasarevic (72), known as "Simek." At the time of the incident, Kelestura served as the commander of the 325th Mountain Brigade, while Jasarevic commanded the brigade’s artillery group.

According to the Prosecution, both men are charged with war crimes against the civilian population for violating the Geneva Conventions during the conflict between the ARBiH and the Croat Defence Council (HVO).

"On June 10, 1993, the accused participated in an artillery attack on civilian areas inhabited by Croats," the Prosecution stated. "A 120mm mortar shell exploded on a children's playground, killing eight children. Five died instantly, and three others succumbed to their wounds shortly after. Five more children were injured in the blast."

The victims were between the ages of 9 and 18. Among those killed were two sets of siblings: nine-year-old Augustina and 12-year-old Velimir Grebenar, and 12-year-old Milan and 18-year-old Sanja Garic. The attack also claimed the lives of Dragan Ramljak (15), Drazenko Cecura (15), Sanja Krizanović (15), and Boris Anticevic (10).

Both Kelestura and Jasarevic are charged under Article 173 of the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina.