The three generals are charged with crimes against humanity that were committed against Serb civilians during and in the aftermath of the Croatian military operation "Storm" in the summer and autumn of 1995.
Gotovina was indicted in June 2001, and Cermak and Markac in March 2005.
Cermak and Markac voluntarily surrendered to the Hague-based tribunal immediately after the publication of the indictment against them. Since December 2005 they have been on provisional release in Croatia awaiting trial.
Gotovina had spent four and a half years in hiding before he was arrested in Spain on December 7, 2005. He has been in the ICTY's custody since December 10, 2005.
Last October the Appeals Chamber upheld the decision by the Trial Chamber to join the trial of Gotovina with that of Cermak and Markac.
All three generals pleaded not guilty to charges of persecutions, murders, deportation, forcible removal, plunder of public and private property, wanton destruction of populated areas, and inhumane and cruel acts allegedly committed as part of the joint criminal enterprise of the Croatian political and military leadership, led by President Franjo Tudjman, to forcibly and permanently remove the Serb population from the areas of Croatia that were under Serb occupation at the time.