THE HAGUE/ZAGREB, March 25 (Hina) - The trial of ex-Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic before the U.N war crimes tribunal at The Hague, which was adjourned last week due to the defendant's heart problems, did not resume on Tuesday
either because of the defendant's condition. Milosevic refuses to take the increased dosage of medications proscribed by a cardiologists.
THE HAGUE/ZAGREB, March 25 (Hina) - The trial of ex-Yugoslav
President Slobodan Milosevic before the U.N war crimes tribunal at
The Hague, which was adjourned last week due to the defendant's
heart problems, did not resume on Tuesday either because of the
defendant's condition. Milosevic refuses to take the increased
dosage of medications proscribed by a cardiologists. #L#
The president of the Trial Chamber, Judge Richard May, said the
chamber had received a report which said that after the adjournment
on March 18, a cardiologist had recommend an increased dosage of
medications for blood pressure which the defendant refused to take
and that was why he was unable to attend court.
According to a report by the detention centre staff, Milosevic
complains about feeling "groggy" due to an increased dosage which
prevents him from preparing his defence.
The Milosevic trial, which started on February 12, 2002, has so far
been adjourned seven times due to the defendant's health problems.
Judge May said that about 40 hearing days had been lost due to the
adjournments.
May suggested that Milosevic be warned that the trial would resume
without his presence in court.
May also proposed that the next witness, retired Croatian Army
General Nojko Marinovic, who should have testified via video-link
from Dubrovnik today, submits his sworn testimony, with the cross-
examination of an amicus curie or later by the defendant. This is
possible under the ICTY regulation number 71.
Judge may endorsed a proposal by Prosecutor Geoffrey Nice that a
hearing on the defendant's condition be held on Wednesday or
Thursday.
(hina) it sb