War Criminal Mladic's Lawyers Seek Release on Health Grounds

Lawyers for convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal Ratko Mladic want him released from prison. They told a UN court he is close to death. His legal team believes his health is very serious. They are asking for his immediate release due to his condition.

Mladic, who is 84 years old, was found guilty of genocide. This happened during the wars in the former Yugoslavia. The crimes occurred between 1992 and 1995. He is known as the "Butcher of Bosnia." His life sentence was confirmed on appeal in 2021. His lawyers submitted details to the court on Friday. They said Mladic has been bedridden or in a wheelchair for a long time. He recently suffered a suspected stroke. This left him nearly unable to speak. Two doctors assessed his condition as serious. They stated the "risk of imminent death is high." The lawyers want him moved to a hospital or hospice. They prefer a place where Serbian is spoken.

This situation highlights complex legal and humanitarian questions. It also touches on international justice mechanisms. Such cases often involve prolonged legal battles. They also raise concerns about the treatment of aging prisoners. Mladic's former military actions caused immense suffering. The wars resulted in the deaths of thousands. "Ethnic cleansing" was a feature of the conflict. The siege of Sarajevo led to over 10,000 deaths. The Srebrenica massacre claimed 8,000 lives.

The Serbian Justice Minister, Nenad Vujic, expressed readiness. His government is willing to provide guarantees. These are intended for the court if Mladic is released. Judge Graciela Gatti Santana requested an independent health assessment. Findings from this assessment were expected on Friday. Mladic evaded capture for 16 years. He was found in Serbia in 2011. His trial began at The Hague in 2012. He has been held at a UN detention facility since 2011.

Mladic's defence team argues current care is insufficient. They claim keeping him detained is "cruel, inhumane punishment." They also believe it no longer serves any purpose. Victims' groups strongly oppose his release. They view it as a "legal tactic." They have warned the UN court of these repeated attempts. Lawyers sought his release in July 2025. This request was denied. Later, they unsuccessfully asked for temporary release in November 2025. This was to attend a family memorial service. Mladic's son, Darko, stated his father's health had not changed. He planned to visit him soon.

The judge asked medical experts to review his condition. They will assess treatment options and life expectancy. The adequacy of his current detention care is also under review. These proceedings could set precedents. They may influence how similar cases are handled. The court's final decision will be closely watched.