Milosevic to launch defence

AMSTERDAM – Slobodan Milosevic is set to launch his much-delayed defence tomorrow as judges grapple with how to make sure the landmark war crimes trial of the former Yugoslav president is completed despite his poor health.

Milosevic had been due to start his defence in July, but renewed concern about his high blood pressure and heart problems prompted UN judges to order another postponement and new health checks as well as to consider imposing defence counsel. Last week, they said Milosevic should launch his own defence with an opening statement as planned on Tuesday, but before any evidence is presented, the court will hear submissions on his health and on whether to force him to accept a defence lawyer.Frustrated by repeated delays, the judges trying Milosevic for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Balkans in the 1990s have called for a “radical review” to make sure the war crimes case seen as the most significant in Europe since top Nazis were tried at Nuremberg is completed.Judith Armatta from the Coalition for International Justice, an independent group monitoring the trial, said lessons were being learned in the Hague that would be relevant for other cases such as those of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.- Nampa-ReutersLast week, they said Milosevic should launch his own defence with an opening statement as planned on Tuesday, but before any evidence is presented, the court will hear submissions on his health and on whether to force him to accept a defence lawyer.Frustrated by repeated delays, the judges trying Milosevic for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Balkans in the 1990s have called for a “radical review” to make sure the war crimes case seen as the most significant in Europe since top Nazis were tried at Nuremberg is completed.Judith Armatta from the Coalition for International Justice, an independent group monitoring the trial, said lessons were being learned in the Hague that would be relevant for other cases such as those of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.- Nampa-Reuters