The Tribunal confirms that it has been advised today of the arrest by Serb authorities of the former Bosnian Serb political leader Radovan Karadzic. The Tribunal welcomes the arrest and looks forward to Karadzic's prompt transfer to the Tribunal in The Hague in order to stand trial.

Aware of the serious charges brought against him by the prosecution, the Tribunal is mindful that Karadzic enjoys the presumption of innocence and is committed to do all within its competences to ensure a fair and public trial in accordance with the highest standards of international law.

This arrest may be considered another milestone in the development of international law and further fulfillment of the Tribunal's mandate to bring to justice the most senior persons alleged to be most responsible for war crimes in the Yugoslav conflicts.

A case information sheet providing an overview of the case can be found on the Tribunal’s website at http://www.un.org/icty/cases-e/cis/karadzic/cis-karadzic.pdf

         
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Courtroom proceedings can be followed on the Tribunal’s website at www.un.org/icty