Justice Minister: Serbia Prepared to Provide Guarantees for Mladic Release

Serbia is ready to provide the necessary guarantees for the potential release of former Bosnian Serb military commander Ratko Mladic, Justice Minister Nenad Vujic announced. Mladic, who was convicted of war crimes, including genocide in Srebrenica, by the Hague Tribunal, could be granted temporary release for medical treatment.

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We have now given guarantees in respect of all warrants issued by the Mechanism and will if there are others such as the presence of its representatives who would monitor the general’s health, security measures, media presence and other things.

Minister Vujic emphasized that Serbia's willingness to offer guarantees stems from a humanitarian concern for Mladic's health, stating, "this is not a question of politics or the court judgement... but a question of life." He personally visited Mladic in prison and observed his deteriorating health, adding that "the punishment must not be revenge." Serbia is also preparing to address the UN Human Rights Committee regarding alleged failures in medical protocols during Mladic's treatment.

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this is not a question of politics or the court judgement which can be defined one way or another but a question of life.

However, Vujic clarified that the ultimate decision lies with Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). Serbia's proactive stance underscores its engagement with international justice mechanisms while prioritizing humanitarian considerations for individuals facing severe health issues, even those convicted of heinous crimes. This move reflects Serbia's complex relationship with its past and its ongoing efforts to navigate international legal and political landscapes.

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the punishment must not be revenge.