Published: 17 September, 2008, 22:40
Edited: 17 September, 2008, 22:40
The former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic has appeared at the UN court in The Hague. Prosecutors have been elaborating on the progress they have made over the course of his trial. When speaking during the hearing, the ex-Bosnian Serb leader said he’
Karadzic had earlier refused to enter any plea and the court pleaded “not-guilty” on his behalf. Accused of causing the deaths of thousands of Bosnians and Croats he faces 11 charges, including genocide and crimes against humanity.
The prosecutors of the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia believe Karadzic's trial will not be a long one. They are concerned the case could last as long as that of former Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic, who died before a verdict could be reached. But Karadzic's lawyer Goran Petronijevic says he's against a quick trial as the defence won't have enough time to present all its evidence. He says the trial needs to last at least three years.
“If the prosecution wants a quick trial, as they claim, they need to come up with the declared new indictment sooner. Why couldn't they prepare the whole package of charges against Karadzic during the 13 years that he was on the run? This once again proves that there was a deal between Karadzic and the former U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke, who promised him indemnity in exchange for disappearing from the public eye. I think the prosecution has big problems with charges against Karadzic. That's why they are in such a hurry,” he said.
Karadzic denies the legitimacy of the court, as do many of his supporters. They claim that the UN court is simply a tool of NATO, whose sole intention is to “liquidate him”. For many in Serbia he remains a hero.
In Belgrade protests have been going on since Karadzic's arrest, and his supporters intend to do everything to get their voices heard. Most Serbs are bitterly opposed to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. They claim that the tribunal is not dispensing justice in the region and accuse it of seeking only to punish Serbian figures.
Radovan Karadzic is still considered a national hero by many in Belgrade, and not just among Serbian nationalist party members. Young and old have been gathering in downtown Belgrade voicing their protest at the way Radovan Karadzic has been treated since his arrest. The demonstration goes on day and night, without stopping.
“There are around 100 people here,” one of the protesters told RT. “Although at its peak during better weather, as many as a 1000 would gather here in Republic Square. Now it's autumn and the numbers are dropping and the issues have diversified, although Radovan Karadzic is still very much at the heart of the protest.”
“The protest will go on,” vows Vladimir Kreshlyanin, a former advisor to Slobodan Milosevic. He says it is one of the few means Karadic’s supporters have to express themselves
That said there are a number of websites devoted to Karadzic and the nationalist movement in general. Many people in Serbia do support the idea of joining the European Union, but it’s clear from these opposition websites there is a lminority that doesn't and is very vocal. The people's support for him is not only obvious through online media.
A picture of him still looks down on customers in a coffee shop frequented by the ex-Bosnian Serb leader when he was in hiding and known as Dr Dabich. With his true identity reavealed, he is now on trial in The Hague, facing charges that include what is regarded as Europe’s worst massacre since World War II – the killing of up to 8000 men and youths in the enclave of Srebrenica.