The Hague Tribunal Descends Into Chaos As Mladić Is Removed
The tribunal of Bosnian-Serb General Ratko Mladić descended into chaos when the alleged war criminal refused to follow the tribunal’s procedures and, protesting loudly, he was forcibly removed from the courtroom.
His earlier request to delay entering a plea was denied, as Mladić requested that two new attornees attend his trial: a military lawyer and a Russian attorney. He went on to reject his current representative.
The tribunal has not approved the credentials of his proposed representatives and so they cannot be appointed at this time. Mladić was allowed to address the tribunal and asked for a delay in the trial. “I wish for you to extend my time for a month, so that together with my two lawyers and my son, we can meet at the detention unit and clarify the situation I am in,’ he said. “You can do whatever you want. Without (proposed new representation), there is no need for me to receive anything, to say anything. You can do as you wish.”
His tone became more inflamed but his microphone was silenced as the obstinate Mladić – who had earlier complained about a cold head because he had been ordered to take off his hat – shouted accusations at the tribunal and refused to follow proceedings as guided by the judge. “Remove me now. Don’t go on, please. Let my attorney come and then you can speak’, said Mladić, who gave a satisfied smile and thumbs-up to the public gallery. “You’re talking in vain. I’m not going to listen to anything without (my attorney). Who are you? You are not allowing me to breathe.’
Mladić had been repeatedly warned about his behaviour, especially his playing to the public gallery rather than paying attention to the tribunal judges. After his outburst, the tribunal was adjourned as, still shouting, Mladić was bundled from the room.
As Mladić had earlier refused to enter a plea, the judge entered not guilty pleas on his behalf in all eleven charges, including genocide and crimes against humanity.
7 / 4 / 2011 12:27 pm
I’ve just heard a clip from the trial on the radio and Mladic has been denied legal representation and expelled from the courtroom. This doesn’t look good for his receiving a fair trial does it?
7 / 4 / 2011 5:35 pm
I was watching live. Mladic was not denied legal representation. He applied for two alternative representatives to be appointed to him, leaving the attorney already attached to his defence powerless to act. The tribunal said that the credentials of the two proposed new representatives have not been checked/approved by the tribunal but meetings with Mladic were to be scheduled. He was removed from court because of his behaviour and refusal to listen to the charges being read. My understanding is that he will now meet with his chosen representatives and process can continue.