17/06/2004
Milosevic acquittal plea dismissed at UN tribunal
The UN war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia has dismissed a legal motion to acquit former Yugoslav President Slobodan Miloševic of charges of genocide and other crimes against humanity after finding there is enough evidence for him to answer.
In a decision handed down in The Hague, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) ruled that Mr Miloševic must answer charges relating to events in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Kosovo during the Balkan wars of the 1990s.
The decision was not unanimous – Presiding Judge Patrick Robinson of Jamaica and Judge Iain Bonomy of the United Kingdom ruled separately against Mr Miloševic, while Judge O-Gon Kwon of the Republic of Korea issued a dissenting judgment on some of the questions.
The ICTY also granted several challenges in favour of Mr Miloševic, finding there was insufficient evidence to support certain allegations relating to some of the charges.
The legal motions for acquittal had been filed by so-called Friends of the Court, lawyers appointed by the ICTY to help ensure Mr Miloševic receives a fair trial, at the conclusion of the prosecution case in February. The former Yugoslav leader does not recognize the court.
In dismissing the motion for acquittal, the ICTY rejected several submissions regarding Bosnia. The judges found there was enough evidence to show that there was a joint criminal enterprise – which included members of the Bosnian Serb leadership – to destroy part of Bosnia’s Muslims as a group; that Mr Miloševic was part of the enterprise; and that the enterprise committed genocide.
The court ruled there is enough evidence to show that there was an armed conflict in Kosovo before Nato bombing began in March 1999.
The judges also ruled against a submission that some of the charges regarding Croatia should be dismissed because Croatia was not an independent state before early 1992 and therefore the conflict before then was not international.
But the ICTY found that some of the allegations relating to charges in Croatia and Bosnia could not be sustained by the evidence, and granted the motions confined to them.
Mr Miloševic faces charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and violations of the laws or customs of war. He is expected to begin his defence case next month.
(gmcg)
In a decision handed down in The Hague, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) ruled that Mr Miloševic must answer charges relating to events in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Kosovo during the Balkan wars of the 1990s.
The decision was not unanimous – Presiding Judge Patrick Robinson of Jamaica and Judge Iain Bonomy of the United Kingdom ruled separately against Mr Miloševic, while Judge O-Gon Kwon of the Republic of Korea issued a dissenting judgment on some of the questions.
The ICTY also granted several challenges in favour of Mr Miloševic, finding there was insufficient evidence to support certain allegations relating to some of the charges.
The legal motions for acquittal had been filed by so-called Friends of the Court, lawyers appointed by the ICTY to help ensure Mr Miloševic receives a fair trial, at the conclusion of the prosecution case in February. The former Yugoslav leader does not recognize the court.
In dismissing the motion for acquittal, the ICTY rejected several submissions regarding Bosnia. The judges found there was enough evidence to show that there was a joint criminal enterprise – which included members of the Bosnian Serb leadership – to destroy part of Bosnia’s Muslims as a group; that Mr Miloševic was part of the enterprise; and that the enterprise committed genocide.
The court ruled there is enough evidence to show that there was an armed conflict in Kosovo before Nato bombing began in March 1999.
The judges also ruled against a submission that some of the charges regarding Croatia should be dismissed because Croatia was not an independent state before early 1992 and therefore the conflict before then was not international.
But the ICTY found that some of the allegations relating to charges in Croatia and Bosnia could not be sustained by the evidence, and granted the motions confined to them.
Mr Miloševic faces charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and violations of the laws or customs of war. He is expected to begin his defence case next month.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 September 2004
Milosevic denies delaying tactics at war crimes trial
The former Yugoslav President Slobodan Miloševic has denied deliberately altering his medicine intake to delay proceedings during his trial on charges of genocide and other war crimes at the UN-run International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
Milosevic denies delaying tactics at war crimes trial
The former Yugoslav President Slobodan Miloševic has denied deliberately altering his medicine intake to delay proceedings during his trial on charges of genocide and other war crimes at the UN-run International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
11 November 2010
Rehabbed Gascoigne Misses Sentencing
Ex-World Cup star Paul Gascoigne, 43, has missed his court appearance to be sentenced for drink-driving. The former footballer failed to show because he is in rehab. Last month he admitted driving while being four times over the limit and was due before Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
Rehabbed Gascoigne Misses Sentencing
Ex-World Cup star Paul Gascoigne, 43, has missed his court appearance to be sentenced for drink-driving. The former footballer failed to show because he is in rehab. Last month he admitted driving while being four times over the limit and was due before Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
19 September 2007
'Innocent Explanation' For McCann DNA Evidence
There are 'innocent explanations' for the DNA evidence found in the car hired by the parents of Madeleine McCann, it has been reported.
'Innocent Explanation' For McCann DNA Evidence
There are 'innocent explanations' for the DNA evidence found in the car hired by the parents of Madeleine McCann, it has been reported.
18 September 2007
McCann Case 'Focus On Finding Madeleine'
The new spokesperson for the parents of missing British girl Madeleine McCann has said that Gerry and Kate McCann are innocent and that the focus of the investigation must return to finding the four-year-old.
McCann Case 'Focus On Finding Madeleine'
The new spokesperson for the parents of missing British girl Madeleine McCann has said that Gerry and Kate McCann are innocent and that the focus of the investigation must return to finding the four-year-old.
10 October 2012
Appeal Judge Says Qatada Evidence 'Extremely Thin'
A judge reviewing the decision to deport Jordanian terror suspect Abu Qatada has said his links to an alleged bomb plot look to be "extremely thin". The judge said the "only evidence" of a link was that Abu Qatada had paid $5,000 (£3,100) for a computer.
Appeal Judge Says Qatada Evidence 'Extremely Thin'
A judge reviewing the decision to deport Jordanian terror suspect Abu Qatada has said his links to an alleged bomb plot look to be "extremely thin". The judge said the "only evidence" of a link was that Abu Qatada had paid $5,000 (£3,100) for a computer.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.