Representatives of associations of victims and survivors of the genocide strongly oppose the defense’s request for the early or provisional release of Ratko Mladić, who was sentenced by a final judgment for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. They state that his life sentence represents the minimum justice for thousands of victims and their families.
As stated in a letter to the President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), Graciela Gatti Santana, this request is nothing new. Since Ratko Mladić was first brought before the international court, the defense has systematically attempted to secure his release using the same or similar arguments. Trial chambers and court presidents have already considered and rejected such attempts on multiple occasions.
“Yesterday’s request is based on alleged humanitarian grounds. However, the very fact that the defense is offering an alternative—be it provisional or early release—clearly shows that this is not the only necessary measure, but a legal tactic. This also calls into question the claim of an imminent threat to life,” the letter states.
As representatives of victims and survivors emphasize, the claim that treatment in Serbia would be more appropriate than the care provided by the IRMCT is particularly problematic.
“It is about an institution that has a clear responsibility to ensure adequate medical care for all detainees, with international monitoring and high standards. The claim that such a system cannot offer suitable healthcare requires firm and unambiguous evidence, which in this case was not convincingly presented,” they said.
The victims point out that Ratko Mladić was sentenced by a final judgment for genocide, crimes against humanity, and the most heinous war crimes committed in Europe since the Second World War. The life sentence is not symbolic; rather, it represents the minimum justice for thousands of those murdered and their families.
For the survivors, such requests mean reopening wounds and undermining accountability. While there is talk about the “dignity” of the convicted, they stated that the dignity of the victims—which is a lifelong struggle—must not be forgotten.
“Enforcement of the sentence represents the minimum level of justice. Provisional or early release would undermine the finality of the judgment, re-traumatize victims and survivors, and shatter trust in international justice. Many victims still live with permanent physical and psychological consequences. Unlike the convicted person, they were offered no ‘relief.’ While the defense refers to ‘dignity at the end of life,’ the victims emphasize that dignity also entails accountability. The sentence issued is a reflection of that dignity toward the victims and cannot be undermined except in extreme circumstances, which do not exist in this case. Release at this moment would send a message that even those convicted of genocide can avoid full responsibility by citing old age or illness. Thus, the victims state clearly—justice must remain consistent. The sentence must be served. There is no ‘early end’ for crimes that have no expiration date,” the letter stated.
The letter to the President of the Mechanism, Graciela Gatti Santana, was signed by representatives of the Association of Victims and Witnesses of Genocide, the Movement of Mothers of the Srebrenica and Žepa Enclaves, the Association of Women of Podrinje, the Association of Mothers of Srebrenica, and the Association of Women of Srebrenica.
