As announced by theInternational Residual Mechanism for Criminal TribunalsMechanism (Mechanism) on 27 August 2026, Mr. Ratko Mladić, who was detained under the authority of the Mechanism, passed away that day while hospitalised in The Hague, The Netherlands. The Dutch authorities immediately commenced the standard procedures required under Dutch national law. On Friday 28 August 2026, the Dutch authorities confirmed that no criminal investigation would be opened and that they would not be conducting an autopsy.
In parallel, on 27 August 2026, the President of the Mechanism, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, ordered a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Mladić’s death, assigning Judge Iain Bonomy to the matter. Judge Bonomy travelled to The Hague and, on Friday 28 August 2026, commenced his inquiry, including visiting the United Nations Detention Unit and the prison hospital facility. The inquiry is ongoing and further details in connection with it remain confidential at this time.
The Mechanism has been in regular contact with the family of Mr. Mladic since his passing, including in relation to the transferring of Mr Mladić’s remains. The Mechanism is unable to provide further details on these matters at this time.
