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Martin Petrov of the Registry with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, ICTY said, at a press conference held in The Hague, that meetings with Saljic and Mezyaev were held last week after Mladic had told the Tribunal judges that he would like to be represented by them.
“From that point of view, progress has been made. Both attorneys have provided the Office of the Registrar with the necessary documents so they can be considered as potential defence counsels,” Petrov said.
Nevertheless, Petrov stressed that, according to ICTY rules, chief defence counsels representing indictees before the Tribunal had to be able to speak English or French, adding that Skaljic did not fulfill the condition, so he would not be considered for the chief defence counsel position.
According to Petrov, Saljic might be appointed an additional defence counsel or associate in this case.
“Mezyaev is taking an English language test today. The test results will be available in two or three days,” Petrov said, adding that there were some indications that Mezyaev would not like to be the chief defence counsel, but just an associate in this case.
Petrov said that Mladic “has not made the decision about the appointment of the chief defence counsel easier” by demanding that he be represented by Milos Saljic, who does not fulfill the Tribunal’s conditions.
Mladic, former Commander of the Main Headquarters with the Republika Srpska Army, VRS, who is charged with genocide, crimes against humanity and violation of the laws and customs of war, was arrested in Serbia in late May this year.
Mladic’s initial appearance before the Tribunal judges took place on June 3 this year, when he asked for additional time in order to familiarise himself with the indictment prior to entering his plea. After having interrupted the work of the Trial Chamber at the hearing held a month later, Mladic was removed from the courtroom. The Tribunal recorded a plea of not guilty to the charges on his behalf.
Temporary duty counsel Aleksandar Aleksic is representing Mladic.
D.Dz.
