Conviction of Ratko Mladić: November 22, 2017

On November 22, 2017, Ratko Mladić, the former Bosnian Serb military leader, was convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. This conviction marked a significant moment in international justice, as Mladić was one of the most prominent figures prosecuted for atrocities committed during the Bosnian War (1992-1995).

Background

Ratko Mladić served as the commander of the Bosnian Serb Army during the Bosnian War. He played a crucial role in the conflict, which erupted following the breakup of Yugoslavia. The war was characterized by ethnic tensions and resulted in widespread violence, including the infamous Srebrenica massacre and the Siege of Sarajevo.

Key Events Leading to the Conviction

• Srebrenica Massacre (July 1995): Mladić was found guilty of orchestrating the genocide in Srebrenica, where more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed. This massacre is considered the worst atrocity in Europe since World War II.

• Siege of Sarajevo (1992-1996): Under Mladić’s command, the Bosnian Serb forces laid siege to Sarajevo, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians due to shelling and sniper attacks.

• Ethnic Cleansing Campaigns: Mladić was implicated in numerous campaigns aimed at ethnically cleansing non-Serb populations from territories claimed by Bosnian Serbs.

The Trial

The ICTY, established by the United Nations in 1993, was tasked with prosecuting serious crimes committed during the Yugoslav Wars. Mladić’s trial began in 2012 after he was arrested in Serbia in 2011, following years of evasion.

Charges and Verdict

Mladić faced 11 charges, including:

• Genocide: Specifically for the Srebrenica massacre.
• War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity: Including murder, persecution, and inhumane acts.

On November 22, 2017, the ICTY found Mladić guilty on 10 of the 11 charges, sentencing him to life imprisonment. The court concluded that Mladić was instrumental in the execution of a campaign of terror and violence against non-Serb populations.

Aftermath and Significance

The conviction of Ratko Mladić was hailed as a landmark in international justice, reinforcing the principle that those responsible for war crimes and genocide can be held accountable, regardless of their rank or position. It also provided a measure of justice for the victims and survivors of the Bosnian War.

The ICTY’s work, including the prosecution of Mladić, has been influential in the development of international criminal law and has set precedents for subsequent tribunals and courts dealing with crimes against humanity and genocide.

Mladić’s conviction underscored the importance of international cooperation in bringing war criminals to justice and highlighted the ongoing challenges in achieving reconciliation and peace in the Balkans.