THE HAGUE/ZAGREB, Oct 8 (Hina) - The trial chamber of the Hague war crimes tribunal prosecuting former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic has recommended expanding the role of amici curiae -- friends of the tribunal -- so that they
might extend assistance to the accused in presenting his defence, due to his deteriorating health and in the interest of a fair trial.
THE HAGUE/ZAGREB, Oct 8 (Hina) - The trial chamber of the Hague war
crimes tribunal prosecuting former Yugoslav President Slobodan
Milosevic has recommended expanding the role of amici curiae --
friends of the tribunal -- so that they might extend assistance to
the accused in presenting his defence, due to his deteriorating
health and in the interest of a fair trial. #L#
The trial chamber on October 6 issued an order with instructions for
the amici curiae in which it recommends it would be desirable they
extend their assistance to Milosevic owing to the health problems
which have been recurring since March 2002 and in the interest of
ensuring that the trial ends within a reasonable time, tribunal
spokesman Jim Landale told reporters on Wednesday.
The trial chamber has authorised the amici curiae to accept
requests to that effect should the defendant set them and to
generally act towards the protection of his interests.
Since Milosevic is defending himself alone and refuses to appoint
an attorney, the tribunal has appointed two amici to see that his
trial rights are protected and to guarantee fair proceedings.
One of them, Briton Steven Kay, says Milosevic has declined their
assistance and that he is entitled to do so.
The trial chamber recommendation that Milosevic should be helped in
presenting his defence is the result of uncertainty that due to his
deteriorating condition, proceedings might not end within a
reasonable time.
At the recommendation of cardiologists, the trial takes place three
times a week with four days' rest. This has postponed the
presentation of evidence by the prosecution by one month, until the
end of the year.
This should be followed by a three-month break for the defence to
prepare and the trial, with the request that Milosevic be given
equal time as the prosecution to present his defence, i.e. two
years, until April 2006, not including the three-day working week.
The prosecutor's office has urged the trial chamber to pass
measures in light of the new circumstances to ensure the efficiency
of the trial, such as taping witness testimonies when the defendant
is not in court, taping statements given to the prosecutor, and
appointing one amicus curiae as defence counsel.
The trial chamber turned down the first request and is considering
the rest.
Milosevic is charged with genocide in Bosnia-Herzegovina and
crimes against humanity in Croatia and Kosovo. Proceedings began on
12 March 2002.
(hina) ha