Ratko Mladic convicted to life imprisonment for international crimes committed in Bosnia-Herzegovina
| Publisher | International Federation for Human Rights |
| Publication Date | 22 November 2017 |
| Cite as | International Federation for Human Rights, Ratko Mladic convicted to life imprisonment for international crimes committed in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 22 November 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a1c308e4.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
In its last trial judgment before ending its mandate, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) found, today, Ratko Mladic guilty of crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the conflict which took place in Bosnia-Herzegovina from 1992 to 1995. Our organisations welcome this decision that confirms that those bearing the most responsibility should and can be held accountable.
Commander of the Main Staff of the Bosnian Serb Army (VRS) from May 1992 to at least November 1996 and Colonel General, Ratko Mladic was convicted to life imprisonment for genocide, the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, extermination, deportation, forcible transfer of population, and the war crimes of murder, terror, unlawful attacks of civilians and hostages takings. His responsibility in the execution of nearly 8000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica in July 1995 was recognised. He can appeal the decision. The appeal proceedings, if any, will be carried out by the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (MICT).
Mladic was arrested and transferred to the ICTY in May 2011 and his trial began in May 2012. This is the last trial judgment of the ICTY before the end of its mandate and the closing of its doors planned for 31 December 2017 (except for the appeals chambers and the penitentiary). Since its establishment in 1993, the ICTY has issued 161 indictments that led to 123 arrests and 84 convictions, including Mladic's conviction today.
