ICTY: Trials End in Two Years

“Within the next 12 months, it is anticipated that all trials, other than those of the late-arrested accused, will be completed and the bulk of the Tribunal’s work will be on appeals. Most appeals cases will be completed by December 2014, while the rest of them will be completed through the residual mechanism,” said Judge Theodor Meron.

He pointed out that the Hague Tribunal is facing difficulties with ensuring the completion of all of the trials, considering “the constant unforeseeable problems”, like indictees’ illness, the death of defence attorneys or technical postponement due to the need to translate documents and evidence.

“Progress of cases can be slowed down due to the loss of experienced and talented ICTY employees, as well as obligations in other parallel cases covering crimes or contempt of court,” Meron said.

Judge Meron particularly stressed the importance of the ICTY for the development of international law and justice for victims, reminding of the fact that nearly 20 years had passed since the establishment of the Hague Tribunal.

“In its verdicts, the Tribunal has not just considered evidence and testimonies about crimes, but it has revived the laws, which have been rarely applied,” Meron said.

161 individuals have been indicted since the beginning of the Tribunal’s work 15 years ago.
D.Dž.