UN rights chief, US President hail 'historic' confirmation of Ratko Mladic life sentence

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet and US President Joe Biden on June 8 hailed “historic” confirmation by a UN court of Bosnian Serb military chief Ratko Mlic's life sentence for genocide in 1995 Srebrenica massacre. UN court upheld life sentence for Mlic's role in killing of around 8,000 Bosnian Muslim (Bosniak) men and boys in Srebrenica in 1995. According to Associated Press, former Bosnian Serb commander was one of last suspects to face trial at UN’s International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia. He was arrested in 2011 after 16 years on run. 

Following UN’s decision to uphold conviction of Mlic, US President Joe Biden said, “This historic judgment shows that those who commit horrific crimes will be held accountable. It also reinforces our shared resolve to prevent future atrocities from occurring anywhere in world”. 

Biden ded, “We are grateful for tireless work of UN tribunals over past two deces on cases related to conflict in Balkans and all those whose dedication me this judgment possible. Justice and reconciliation are foundation for peace and stability for future, and today’s decision is also an important confirmation that this is possible”. 

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, on or hand, said that a ruling upholding conviction of former Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mlic for genocide and war crimes meant international justice system h held him to account. She welcomed decision and said that verdict highlights determination to ensure accountability. Bachelet even went on to urge government officials to strive for justice for all victims and survivors of wars in former Yugoslavia. 

Bachelet said, “Mlić’s crimes were abhorrent culmination of hatred stoked for political gain. Today's decision is about his individual responsibility for his dreful acts, not about collective punishment or apportioning guilt to any particular community”. 

She ded, “I urge Governments and elected and public officials to strive for justice for all victims and survivors of wars in former Yugoslavia, to assuage – rar than aggravate – region's open wounds, and to foster reconciliation and long-lasting peace. Only by honestly dressing past can a country strive to create an inclusive future and build accountable institutions for all its citizens”. 

Ratko Mlic’s Conviction

Meanwhile, Mlic lost his appeal against a 2017 conviction for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. five-person appeals panel found Mlic h failed to provide evidence to invalidate previous convictions against him, although presiding judge dissented on almost all counts. However, Appeals Chamber also dismissed appeal brought by prosecution, which h sought a second conviction against Mlic over crimes committed against Bosnian Muslims and Bosnian Croats in some or areas during war.

It is worth mentioning that according to BBC, Mlic is known as “Butcher of Bosnia”. Back in 2017, he was found guilty of genocide over Srebrenica, but acquitted of genocide over his army’s 1992 campaign, in which Bosniaks and Bosnian Croats were expelled front of ir homes or detained in appalling conditions. In 2016, same court convicted  Bosnian Serb leer Rovan Karzic of planning Srebrenica massacre, among or crimes. His initial 40-year sentence for genocide and war crimes was later increased to life in prison in 2019 - remainder of which he will serve in UK.

(Image: AP)