30 May 2013 - ICTY

49349
following the 1990 elections. In view of this evidence, the Trial Chamber does not consider
that Vatroslav Stanićić, when stating that by mid-May 1991, Martić had control over some
mere 12 persons at the Knin police station, had complete knowledge of the situation in the
area, which, as it appears, he only visited on that occasion. The Trial Chamber notes the
evidence of Mile Bosnić about Martić’s failure to establish his authority over the Kordun and
Banija police up to August 1991, but considers that this evidence does not negate the
aforementioned evidence that Martić’s authority and men force stretched beyond the Knin
police station. Consequently, the Trial Chamber finds that by late 1990 or early 1991, Milan
Martić had already established the foundations of the SAO Krajina Police, which covered
most of the Krajina territory. This conclusion is further supported by Milan Babić’s and
Witness DST-043’s evidence that the SAO Krajina Police, commanded by Martić, was part of
the armed forces as of January 1991.
2153. Based on the unrebutted Adjudicated Facts, the Trial Chamber finds that on 4 January
1991, Milan Martić was appointed the Secretary of the SAO Krajina SUP. On 29 May 1991,
Martić became the Minister of Defence in the newly formed SAO Krajina government. As to
the funding provided to Martić at the time, the Trial Chamber considers the testimony of
Witness JF-039 and notes that although the witness did not see what was inside the bags that
Simatović used to bring to Martić, he testified that the same bags were always used in this
process and that on at least one occasion following a visit by Simatović, Martić told the
witness that he had received money from Belgrade. Consequently, the Trial Chamber finds
that on at least two occasions between December 1990 and May or June 1991, Simatović
personally brought bags of cash to Martić in Knin. In view of Witness DST-043’s evidence,
the Trial Chamber observes that at the time, the Krajina Police also received private
donations. The Trial Chamber has reviewed the witness’s belief that at some point, the
funding for the police also came from the Krajina government, but it is unable to come to the
same conclusion based on this evidence, which lacks sufficient foundation.
2154. The Trial Chamber further finds, based on Witness JF-039’s account and having
reviewed the Serbian DB official note on the transport of ammunition to Knin as well as
Martić’s press statement of July 1991, 4553 that Stanišić arranged weapons for Martić. It further
4553 P2990 (Official Note by Milan Tepavčević, 12 April 1991, signed by Milan Tepavčević) and P2593 (Article
from Tanjug entitled “Krajina Interior Minister: Police ‘Well Armed’”, 7 July 1991), respectively. In relation to
P2990, the Simatović Defence submits that it has no information about its authenticity and credibility, but
appears not to challenge the document, as such. See, Simatović Defence Final Trial Brief, 14 December 2012,
para. 31.
Case No. IT-03-69-T 769
30 May 2013