Polish Border Guards Detain War Crimes Suspect at Warsaw Airport

A 79-year-old Serbian-Canadian, Zivko Z., was detained in Poland under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Croatia for alleged war crimes during the Balkan wars. Zivko Z., who has not admitted guilt, may face 20 years in prison if extradited to Croatia and found guilty.

Polish border guards have taken into custody a 79-year-old Serbian-Canadian citizen at Warsaw's Chopin Airport, following a European Arrest Warrant issued by Croatian authorities. The suspect, identified as Zivko Z. under Polish privacy laws, is accused of participating in war crimes during the 1991 Balkan wars, including unlawful detention, torture, and murder of civilians.

Croatian prosecutors allege that Zivko Z. played a significant role in the atrocities, including looting and arson, as a member of Serbian paramilitary forces. Despite these accusations, Zivko Z. has entered a plea of not guilty, according to sources.

Polish prosecutors are seeking the court's approval for the extradition of Zivko Z. to Croatia. If extradited and subsequently convicted, the suspect could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years. The case highlights the ongoing pursuit of justice for war crime perpetrators from the Balkan conflicts.

(With inputs from agencies.)