Biljana Plavsic Freed

She arrived at the airport under police escort. An aircraft with Republika Srpska, RS, markings was waiting for her on the tarmac. She arrived in Belgrade at about 2 p.m.

Plavsic, who was charged before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, ICTY, with genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against Bosnian Muslims and Croats, voluntarily surrendered on January 10, 2001.

In October 2002 she admitted guilt in the persecution of Muslims and Croats in 37 municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In return, the remaining counts in the indictment were dismissed. A year later the Hague Tribunal sentenced her to 11 years in prison.

As per a decision rendered by Patrick Robinson, President of the Hague Tribunal, on September 15, 2009, early release was approved. Among the reasons given were good conduct, her admission of guilt, her cooperation with the Tribunal and her poor health.

Seven days later, the Swedish Government issued a decision to release Plavsic.

Serbian media reported that Plavsic left Belgrade Airport in a waiting private car and was accompanied to her apartment by Milorad Dodik, the Prime Minister of Republika Srpska. Plavsic held Dodik’s hand when she briefly spoke to journalists.

“I do not know what to say to you. I shall be free after nine years. I do not know how it will look, but, I promise you we shall think of something,” Plavsic said.