A former witness before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) has renewed allegations that Hague investigators used intimidation, inducements and psychological pressure in an attempt to obtain testimony against Serbian Radical Party leader Vojislav Šešelj.
Nenad Jović, who was questioned by ICTY investigators, claimed during Šešelj’s trial that he was subjected to lengthy interrogations, threats against his family, and offers of money and other benefits in exchange for providing testimony favorable to the prosecution.
According to Jović, investigators questioned him for up to 14 hours at a time and allegedly offered him a six-month stay in a hotel in the Netherlands, financial compensation and relocation to another country if he agreed to testify according to a prepared statement.
He also alleged that one investigator suggested he would have the company of “attractive women” during his stay, while another member of the investigative team made inappropriate remarks about those services being covered by the tribunal.
Jović further claimed that investigators attempted to reassure him before testifying by offering to show him other witnesses giving evidence against Šešelj through the courtroom’s observation window to help reduce his anxiety.
In his testimony, Jović also accused an investigator of attempting to influence him through personal gestures and psychological manipulation, claiming she encouraged him to “open his soul” and suggested he would receive financial rewards while those he testified against would remain imprisoned.
In a notarized statement certified by the Fourth Municipal Court in Belgrade on March 2, 2007, Jović also alleged that he suspected investigators had secretly placed an unknown tablet in his coffee during questioning. He claimed the substance altered his mood and that he later experienced serious health problems, although these allegations have never been independently verified.
According to Jović, he was later hospitalized after one interrogation session, saying he temporarily lost his balance and required weeks to recover his ability to walk.
Another former witness, Zoran Dražilović, also accused ICTY investigators of using threats, promises of financial rewards and inappropriate inducements in an effort to secure testimony against Serbian defendants. He similarly alleged attempts by investigators to establish personal relationships and influence witnesses outside formal interviews.
The allegations were presented during proceedings before the ICTY but have remained disputed. The Hague Tribunal has previously maintained that its investigations and witness interviews were conducted in accordance with established legal procedures and safeguards.
