Hague prosecutors complete opening statement in Karadzic trial

03/11/2009

THE HAGUE, The Netherlands -- Prosecutors in the war crimes trial of former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic wrapped up their opening statement Monday (November 2nd), focusing on the July 1995 Srebrenica genocide. Prosecutor Alan Tieger said that Karadzic ordered Bosnian Serb forces to attack the enclave, killing over 7,000 Muslim civilians. "He knew that men were being killed, he covered up the mass expulsions and the murders, and continues to do so to this day, and the only regret he had about the entire operation was that some Muslim men got away," Tieger stressed. He also blamed Karadzic for the 44-month "campaign of terror" against civilians during the siege of Sarajevo. Karadzic, who boycotted the start of the trial, will appear at Tuesday's procedural hearings to ask for more time to prepare his defence. He faces 11 charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Bosnian conflict. (Reuters, AFP, B92, Beta - 02/11/09)

This content was commissioned for SETimes.com.

Vote

We welcome your comments on SETimes's articles.

It is our hope that you will use this forum to interact with other readers across Southeast Europe. In order to keep this experience interesting, we ask you to follow the rules outlined in the comments policy. By submitting comments, you are consenting to these rules. While SETimes.com encourages discussion on all subjects, including sensitive ones, the comments posted are solely the views of those submitting them. SETimes.com does not necessarily endorse or agree with the ideas, views, or opinions voiced in these comments. SETimes.com welcomes constructive discussion but discourages the use of copy-pasted materials, unaccompanied links and one-line slogans. This is a moderated forum. Comments deemed abusive, offensive, or those containing profanity may not be published.