Former Bosnian Serb political leader Radovan Karadzic sentenced to life in prison
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Hague, 20 March 2019- In 2016, Radovan Karadzic was found guilty of genocide and war crimes by a UN tribunal and was given a 40-year prison sentence. Karadzic has subsequently appealed the court’s decision.
The Hague, 20 March 2019, Radovan Karadzic, dressed in a dark suit and red tie, was led into court by U.N. guards and confirmed to the presiding judge that he would be able to follow the proceedings in a language he understood.
The Appeals Chamber of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals comprised of the following judges:
- Judge Vagn Prüsse Joensen, presiding
- Judge William Hussein Sekule,
- Judge José Ricardo de Prada Solaesa,
Judge Graciela Susana Gatti Santana and Judge Ivo Nelson de Caires Batista Rosa, on 20 March 2019, delivered its judgement on the appeals filed by Mr. Radovan Karadžić and the Prosecution against the judgement rendered on 24 March 2016 by a Trial Chamber of the ICTY.
The appeal chamber of the above mentioned court has rejected the appeal by former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic and has increased his sentence to life in prison. The tribunal ruled that his initial sentence was too light.
The Mothers of Srebrenica activist group, survivors of the war and others, cheered jubilantly at hearing the court’s decision when the life sentence pronounced. The exuberating sentiments could be felt throughout the entire courtroom. The activist groups and other well-wishers all applauded and exchanged hugs and kisses. However, Mr. Radovan Karadzic upon hearing the court’s decision, remained somewhat emotionless.
As observed by an institution, the 20th March 2019 has been marked as an historical day in many ways, that impunity for crimes against humanity will not escape justice and human dignity will be upheld.
Here is a link to a statement by the Prosecutor on the occasion of Karadžić Appeals Judgement This is not an official document. http://www.irmct.org/en
