
French judicial authorities are preparing an international arrest warrant for Spasoje Petković, known as “Štuka,” suspected of murdering French volunteer Jean-Michel Nicolier at Ovčara in 1991, according to a report published on Saturday.
The investigating judge at the War Crimes Department of the Paris court is finalizing the warrant, the Nicolier family’s lawyer confirmed. Paul Nicolier, the victim’s brother, told RTL the news was received with “great satisfaction and deep emotion,” adding that the family remains committed to justice after 35 years. “We hope that, 35 years after the murder, all the circumstances of his death will finally be clarified and that those responsible will answer before the court,” he said.
France has already questioned Petković, who denied guilt, but investigators have reportedly gathered sufficient evidence against him. The probe included interviews with witnesses in Croatia and Serbia, including a suspect in Norway linked to the relocation of mass graves at Ovčara. Previous demands to Serbia for Petković’s extradition went unanswered, prompting the family to threaten a private lawsuit.
The family expressed gratitude to French authorities and their lawyers, Ghislain Dubois and Arnaud Bilen, for their efforts. “For Jean-Michel, for our family and for his memory, we will go all the way,” Paul Nicolier said.
Follow us for live European news
2 further sources not geolocated