Serbian President Vucic Criticizes UN Court Over Mladić

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic sharply criticized the UN war crimes tribunal for rejecting early release requests for former Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladić, who died at the age of 84 while serving a life sentence.

Sharp Criticism of the Court's Decision

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic accused the UN war crimes court in The Hague of displaying an uncivilized attitude by not allowing former Bosnian Serb army commander Ratko Mladić, who died at 84, to be released early.

Stating that this stance by the court was unprecedented and inexcusable, Vucic expressed that authorities deliberately wanted Mladić to die behind bars.

Release Requests and Grounds for Rejection

Mladić’s family and the Serbian government had repeatedly requested his release, citing his advanced age and deteriorating health.

In a decision dated August 20, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, president of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, rejected the release request, stating that Mladić was provided with comprehensive medical care in prison and an exceptional visitation regime.

Mixed Reactions and Emphasis on Justice

Following Ratko Mladić's death, Bosnian Serbs held vigils by lighting candles, while families of war victims viewed the situation as the manifestation of justice.

Fazila Efendic, who lost relatives in the Srebrenitsa massacre, expressed satisfaction that Mladić was sentenced to life imprisonment and died having served his sentence.

Funeral Process and Investigation

Serbian leader Vucic said that Belgrade does not yet have clear information on when Mladić's body will be handed over, but that they would support his burial on Serbian soil in accordance with the family's wishes.

While the UN court launched an official investigation into Mladić's death, court officials also visited the detention unit in the prison.