THE HAGUE/ZAGREB, Nov 11 (Hina) - Former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic on Monday refused a proposal by the prosecution of the UN war crimes tribunal at The Hague that the tribunal appoint two attorneys to assist his
defence.
THE HAGUE/ZAGREB, Nov 11 (Hina) - Former Yugoslav President
Slobodan Milosevic on Monday refused a proposal by the prosecution
of the UN war crimes tribunal at The Hague that the tribunal appoint
two attorneys to assist his defence. #L#
"This other side is suggesting that I be denied the possibility to
speak and that some attorneys be imposed on me," Milosevic said,
commenting on the proposal of the tribunal's prosecution and amici
curiae (friends of the court) to secure an efficient and speedy
trial while protecting Milosevic's health.
The prosecution has suggested that the trial chamber appoint
attorneys to assist Milosevic, while the amici curiae have
suggested that the judges even consider Milosevic's temporary
release to improve his condition if a medical examination showed
that he was seriously ill.
Welcoming the proposal by the amici curiae, Milosevic said
the judges were aware he would not escape because he would not
"abandon this fight and rigged political process at any cost".
The former Yugoslav president refused a proposal that his Belgrade
attorneys Zdenko Tomanovic and Dragoslav Ognjanovic be appointed
his defence attorneys in the trial.
"I do not need assistants sitting by my side and helping me," he
said.
Speaking on behalf of the trial chamber, judge Richard May
expressed concern with the effect of Milosevic's poor condition on
the trial, stating that the chamber would consider the proposals
The Milosevic trial resumed today after an eight-day break caused
by Milosevic's exhaustion. The trial had been discontinued on
previous occasions due to Milosevic's high blood pressure.
(hina) rml