| Press Release |
REGISTRY
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| (Exclusively for the use of the media. Not an official document) |
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The Hague, 29 June 2005
JP/MOW/984e
Stevan Todorovic Case: President of the Tribunal Grants Request for Commutation of Sentence
On 22 June 2005, Judge Theodor Meron, President of the ICTY granted Stevan Todorovic's request for commutation of his sentence. Todorovic, who is serving his sentence in Spain, filed a motion requesting early release on 27 April 2005.
In reaching his decision, President Meron noted that Stevan Todorovic fulfilled the conditions under Spain's law that, under exceptional circumstances, a convicted person can be released after serving two-thirds of their sentence. He served two-thirds of his sentence on 25 May 2005.
The President further noted that Stevan Todorovic had cooperated with the Office of the Prosecutor and was willing to cooperate further by testifying in proceedings before the Tribunal. The President also considered Stevan Todorovic's guilty plea to the crime of persecutions on political, racial and religious grounds and his expressions of remorse.
The decision further notes that "The report of the Spanish authorities is also favourable to Todorovic. It states that Todorovic has been well-behaved during his detention. He complied with the regimental regulations and diligently carried out orders of officials…”.
According to the decision, "The Registrar is directed to inform the Spanish Authorities of this decision and to ensure that all steps are taken to implement the decision within a reasonably practicable time."
Background
Stevan Todorovic was detained and transferred to the Tribunal in September 1998. Although he initially pleaded not guilty to all charges on the indictment, on 29 November 2000, Stevan Todorovic and the Office of the Prosecutor filed a joint ex parte and confidential motion reflecting a negotiated plea agreement in which he pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the indictment, namely persecutions on political, racial and religious grounds, a crime against humanity. All other counts were withdrawn.
During the sentencing hearing held on 31 July 2001, Stevan Todorovic was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment. He was given credit for two years, ten months and three days spent in custody prior to receiving his sentence. On 11 December 2001, Stevan Todorovic was transferred to Spain to serve his sentence.
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International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
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