- Convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal Ratko Mladić has died in a UN prison at The Hague aged 84.
- He was being given palliative care in the hospital of the UN detention facility, where he died. In a statement confirming the death on Thursday, the UN Court said Dutch authorities have begun an investigation, and the court's top judge "has ordered a full inquiry into the circumstances" of his death.
Ratko Mladić, the notorious Bosnian Serb war criminal, died at the age of 84 in a UN prison at The Hague, where he had been incarcerated since 2011.1
Convicted in 2017 for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity during the Yugoslav wars from 1992 to 1995, his life sentence was upheld by the UN court in 2021.
Mladić, who commanded Bosnian Serb forces against Bosnian Croat and Bosniak armies, was known as the 'Butcher of Bosnia'. He had been receiving palliative care in the detention facility's hospital prior to his death.234
Following his passing, the UN Court confirmed that Dutch authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The court's top judge has ordered a full inquiry into the matter.
In May, a bid for his release was rejected despite his deteriorating health, with the judge noting he was receiving 'comprehensive and compassionate treatment'. His lawyers had previously stated that he was bedbound and had suffered a suspected stroke, leaving him nearly unable to speak.
Mladić's legacy remains controversial, as he never recognized the authority of the UN court that sentenced him.
“Mladić was receiving palliative care in the hospital of the UN detention facility before his death. The UN Court confirmed the death on Thursday, stating that Dutch authorities have begun an investigation and the top judge has ordered a full inquiry into the circumstances.”
BBC
