Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic made his first appearance
before the international tribunal in The Hague which is to try him on
charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to
his role in the Bosnian war of the 1990s. Karadzic informed the court
that he plans to defend himself and wants more time to study the
indictment against him before entering a plea. Sonja Pace has this
report from London.
It was a first procedural court
appearance. Presiding Judge Alphons Orie asked Karadzic to identify
himself and read a summary of the charges against him.
"Mr. Karadzic,
you are charged with one count of genocide under Article 4 of the
Statute of the International Tribunal, with one count of complicity in
genocide …. with five counts of crimes against humanity under Article 5
of the Statute, with four counts of war crimes under Articles 2 and 3
of the Statute," she said.
Sitting in the dock, Karadzic informed the court that he would defend himself "as he would against any natural catastrophe."
He told the court he was still studying the indictment and opted to delay entering a formal plea.
The
man in court looked much as he had when last seen in public over a
decade ago, somewhat thinner, older, but clean shaven and still
sporting his trademark silver hair. He stands accused of involvement
in the deaths of thousands of civilians during the Bosnian war of the
1990s.
Karadzic disappeared and was on the run for nearly 13
years, disguised as it turned out with a bushy beard, long hair and
spectacles and working and living in Belgrade, where his arrest was
announced last week.
Karadzic told the court he was kidnapped
in Belgrade and held for three days without access to a telephone or
any communication. He also said he fears for his safety even now.
Karadzic has 30 days to enter a formal plea and Judge Orie scheduled the next court session for August 29.
