Lawyers representing Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb military commander serving a life sentence for genocide, have told judges their client is 'close to death' and have formally requested his release from prison. Mladic, 84, was convicted in 2017 by the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for his role in atrocities committed during the 1992-95 Bosnian War. These included the Srebrenica massacre, where more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys were systematically murdered, and the brutal siege of Sarajevo.
Mladic's legal team has consistently cited his poor health throughout his detention and trial, arguing he is not receiving adequate medical care. The latest plea for release on compassionate grounds highlights what they describe as a critical deterioration in his condition. The request will now be considered by the relevant judicial body, which oversees cases from the defunct ICTY.
The convictions against Mladic marked a significant moment for international justice, bringing accountability for some of the most horrific crimes committed in Europe since World War Two. His capture in 2011, after years as a fugitive, was widely welcomed by the international community, including the UK Government, which had consistently supported the pursuit of justice for war crimes in the former Yugoslavia.
Victims' groups and survivors of the Bosnian War have consistently stressed the importance of Mladic serving his full sentence as a measure of justice for the immense suffering he inflicted. Any decision regarding his potential release will be met with intense scrutiny and strong reactions from those directly affected by his actions and the wider international community.