Milosevic Trial Opens: First former head of state goes on trial for war crimes - crimes against humanity - genocide
Day 1
Milosevic Trial Opens: First former head of state goes on trial for war crimes - crimes against humanity - genocide
Day 1
On 12 February 2002, Slobodan Milosevic became the first former head of state* to be tried before an international tribunal for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The charges stem from Mr. Milosevic's alleged role in the wars in the territory of the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s. Though the prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia initially issued separate indictments for crimes committed in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo, an appeals panel joined them into one trial on February 1. The prosecution favored this approach as it contends that all the wars were part of one criminal enterprise, that is Mr. Milosevic's goal of establishing a Greater Serbia by 'cleansing' areas in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo of their non-Serb populations.
In her opening statement, Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte asserted the international importance of seeking justice for crimes of the magnitude of those committed on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. 'These crimes touch every one of us, wherever we live, because they offend against our deepest principles of human rights and human dignity.' She also stressed that Mr. Milosevic has been charged for his actions as an individual. 'No state or organization is on trial here today; the indictments do not accuse an entire people of being collectively guilty of the crimes.' She emphasized that Milosevic was motivated solely by his quest for individual power.
Following Ms. Del Ponte's statement, Mr. Geoffrey Nice, Principal Trial Attorney on the Milosevic case, presented an overview of the prosecution's case. Aided by video footage of historical events such as Milosevic's famous 'You will not be beaten' speech to Kosovo Serbs in 1989, Mr. Nice discussed Milosevic's rise to power, and his role in the unfolding tragedies in Kosovo, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. His opening statement continues on the second day of the trial, followed by an opportunity for Mr. Milosevic to make a statement. Under ICTY rules, any statement by the accused at this point in the trial is not subject to questioning and is not made under oath. Following any statement by Mr. Milosevic, the prosecution will begin presenting its case in chief focusing first on the Kosovo charges. The Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina charges are expected to be presented by mid-summer.
*With the exception of Admiral Donitz, who was German Chancellor for three days following Hitler's suicide.
In her opening statement, Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte asserted the international importance of seeking justice for crimes of the magnitude of those committed on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. 'These crimes touch every one of us, wherever we live, because they offend against our deepest principles of human rights and human dignity.' She also stressed that Mr. Milosevic has been charged for his actions as an individual. 'No state or organization is on trial here today; the indictments do not accuse an entire people of being collectively guilty of the crimes.' She emphasized that Milosevic was motivated solely by his quest for individual power.
Following Ms. Del Ponte's statement, Mr. Geoffrey Nice, Principal Trial Attorney on the Milosevic case, presented an overview of the prosecution's case. Aided by video footage of historical events such as Milosevic's famous 'You will not be beaten' speech to Kosovo Serbs in 1989, Mr. Nice discussed Milosevic's rise to power, and his role in the unfolding tragedies in Kosovo, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. His opening statement continues on the second day of the trial, followed by an opportunity for Mr. Milosevic to make a statement. Under ICTY rules, any statement by the accused at this point in the trial is not subject to questioning and is not made under oath. Following any statement by Mr. Milosevic, the prosecution will begin presenting its case in chief focusing first on the Kosovo charges. The Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina charges are expected to be presented by mid-summer.
*With the exception of Admiral Donitz, who was German Chancellor for three days following Hitler's suicide.
