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Karadzic Refuses to Leave Cell for Trial

Proceedings halted as alleged war criminal boycotts

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 26, 2009 6:34 AM CDT

(Newser) – The long-awaited trial of Radovan Karadzic was halted just 15 minutes after opening because the former Bosnian Serb leader refused to leave his cell and attend the proceedings. Although prosecutors in The Hague asked the judges to continue in his absence, the presiding magistrate suspended the proceedings until tomorrow. The judges added that they may appoint a lawyer for Karadzic, who is representing himself, if he continues to no-show the trial.

Karadzic had said last week that he would refuse to attend court today, but it was unclear whether proceedings would go on in his absence. He is accused of 11 counts of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity for his role in the Balkans War, including the massacre of thousands of Bosnian Muslim men and boys at Srebrenica. His military commander, Gen. Ratko Mladic, is still at large.

The empty seat where Radovan Karadzic was supposed to sit at the War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague today.
The empty seat where Radovan Karadzic was supposed to sit at the War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague today.   (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, POOL)
Jamila Delalic reacts after judges at the Yugoslav War Crimes Tribunal adjourned the trial of Radovan Karadzic, after he boycotted his trial in The Hague Netherlands, Monday Oct. 26, 2009.
Jamila Delalic reacts after judges at the Yugoslav War Crimes Tribunal adjourned the trial of Radovan Karadzic, after he boycotted his trial in The Hague Netherlands, Monday Oct. 26, 2009.   (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, is seen in the courtroom at the UN, Yugoslav war crimes tribunal in The Hague.
Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, is seen in the courtroom at the UN, Yugoslav war crimes tribunal in The Hague.   (AP Photo/ Valerie Kuypers/file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
NxBigmouthery
Oct 26, 2009 8:10 AM CDT
Miloševic, Saddam...and now this boxhead, all pigs and all cowards. Just throw him to the side, appoint a lawyer and do it in his absence.
fiestygirl
Oct 26, 2009 2:26 AM CDT
Seems to me that he is getting paid back for pissing of those who opposed Rudy Guliani. There are a lot of bullies under all the rocks. He just happened to be on the wrong team. Murderers and rapists of children get bail. He is getting charged twice on the same charges but this time by the feds? Sounds a bit like a revenge tactic to me. You don't have to like somebody but do you have to destroy the person and their family?
BeatBlaster
Oct 26, 2009 1:57 AM CDT
The biggest bullies are also the biggest bitches.

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West's Stalling Made Mladic's Slaughter Worse


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