The Hague Prosecution has requested a life sentence for the first President of the Republika Srpska, Radovan Karadzic, who has been sentenced for genocide in Srebrenica and for crimes against humanity in bBiH from 1992 to 1995. Karadzic was sentenced for 40 years, announced the Hague Tribunal today.
In early December, an appeal, consisting of 89 pages, was filed to the Trial Chamber of the Hague Tribunal. Additionally, Karadzic’s appeal, consisting of 233 pages, was filed as well.
The Hague prosecution explains why it believes that Karadzic deserves to be sentenced to life, arguing that the sentence of 40 years in prison is not proportional e with the gravity of his criminal responsibility.
“Karadzic’s criminal responsibility is unprecedented and requires proportional punishment. The sanction which was imposed by the verdict made by the first instance trial chamber was manifestly inadequate, insufficiently reasoned and an abuse of discretionary powers”, stated the Prosecution.
In addition, the Prosecution asks for Karadzic to be found guilty of genocide.
Moreover, it is alleged that the crimes were a result of a joint criminal enterprise and that Karadzic and other members of the joint criminal enterprise had genocidal intent.
“Karadzic’s leading role in committing crimes throughout the country make him stand out as the most serious offender convicted by the Hague tribunal so far” – was written in the appeal.
Karadzic and Hague’s prosecutors have deadline up to 15th March to send answers on the appeal of the opposite side, and the oral presentation of complaints should be held in the spring of 2018.A final judgment is expected a year later.
(Source: vijesti.ba)
