THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Victims of the 1992-95 Bosnian war are gathering outside a courtroom to await the start of UN criminal proceedings against Ratko Mladic, the Bosnian Serb commander accused of orchestrating the worst atrocities of a war that claimed 100,000 lives.
Mladic’s appearance at the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal is his first public appearance since he went into hiding nearly 16 years ago, when he was indicted for genocide and war crimes.
Some victims are concerned Mladic, 69-years old, may be too ill to complete the lengthy trial process that begins Friday.
Axel Hageldoorn, a lawyer representing victims, said “it’s a big relief that he finally can be brought to court. But we are a bit concerned he is too sick to follow the trial to its end and there will be no verdict.”
