Yugoslavia, Socialist Federal Republic of
Practice Relating to Rule 90. Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment
Under the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia’s Criminal Offences against the Nation and State Act (1945), during war or enemy occupation, “any person who ordered, assisted or otherwise was the direct executor of … torture” committed a war crime.
Under the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Penal Code (1976), as amended in 2001, subjecting civilians, the wounded, sick and shipwrecked, prisoners of war and medical and religious personnel to acts of torture, inhuman treatment, infliction of great suffering and injury to their physical and mental health is a war crime.
Order No. 579 issued in 1991 by the Chief of General Staff of the Yugoslav People’s Army provides that YPA units shall
apply all means to prevent any attempt of … mistreatment of the civilian population and all persons who are not taking part in armed conflict, persons who surrender or hoist the white flag in order to surrender, the wounded and sick, religious and medical personnel and all other protected persons.