Karadzic Awaits First Court Appearance In The Hague

by Dan Forrest
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Europe

THE HAGUE, Netherlands - Europe's most wanted man has been extradited to The Hague and is currently being held at a UN detention center.  Radovan Karadzic was taken from a Belgrade war crimes court under cover of darkness at approximately 3:45 am on Wednesday morning.  He was then transported by plane to Rotterdam, and subsequently delivered by helicopter to Scheveningen Penetentiary in The Hague, where he will remain throughout his trial.   

On Thursday, Radovan Karadzic will appear before the ICTY for the first time and hear the exact charges against him.  These eleven counts will include charges of genocide and crimes against humanity that are said to have been committed by Karadzic's forces during the horrific war in Bosnia between 1992-1995. 

Karadzic will have the option to enter a plea, or to defer his plea for 30 days at his first appearance.  Although Karadzic's defense strategy is unknown, his legal team has announced that he will defend himself against all charges.  Whether he will represent himself has yet to be decided.  Experts predict that this will not be a quick trial, and that therefore Europe should therefore brace itself for a long and protracted legal battle.  The BBC reports that a lawyer for Mr. Karadzic has said that the defense "will need at least three months for his team to prepare [its] case." 

The world can expect that Karadzic's appearance in court will be in stark contrast to the shocking images depicting his life as a fugitive.  It is said that he has shaved and will appear well-groomed before the tribunal.  Reports indicate that Karadzic now appears confident in his chances, and that while in prison, he will have a cell to himself and access to cable television.  Eventually, he will be allowed to interact with other prisoners, and to receive selected visitors at appointed times. 

Impunity Watch will continue its coverage as more information and developments in these proceedings become available.  Specific information on how Karadzic will plead may be released as early as 10 AM (EST) on Thursday morning.

For more information, please see:

BBC - Karadzic due in war crimes court - 31 July 2008

CNN - Karadzic set to make first court appearance - 30 July 2008

International Herald Tribune - Radovan Karadzic arrives in The Hague for trial at UN war crimes tribunal - 30 July 2008