Date: 4.11.2009
Time: 11:00
Registry and Chambers:
Nerma Jelačić, Spokesperson for Registry and Chambers, made the following statement:
Good morning,
At yesterday’s administrative hearing in the case of Radovan Karadžić, in which submissions were made with regards to the way in which the trial can proceed, further hearings were adjourned pending the Trial Chamber’s decision. The decision, which is expected to be issued in writing later this week, will set out the time when the trial will resume and the manner in which it will proceed.
Jovica Stanišić’s request for temporary provisional release for the duration of the current adjournment in trial proceedings was denied yesterday by the Trial Chamber. The Chamber found that the medical and psychological condition of the Accused is of such a nature that provisional release may increase the risk of possible disruptions in the trial proceedings. The Chamber also found that the need for an effective continuation of the current reporting system by the court-appointed medical officer and doubts as to whether the Accused’s current medication could be administered in Belgrade to be factors militating against the provisional release of the Accused.
Turning now to the court schedule:
In the case of Vlastimir Ðorđević, the Prosecution concluded its case last Wednesday and the trial will resume on Monday, 30 November with the Defence’s case.
The trial of Prlić and others was adjourned yesterday for the rest of this week and will resume on Monday 9 November at 14.15 in Courtroom III.
Please note that the hearing in the trial of Momčilo Perišić scheduled for Friday 6 November has been cancelled. Hearings resume next week. In addition, the hearing in the trial of Mićo Stanišić and Stojan Župljanin scheduled for Monday 9 November has been cancelled.
Hearings in the trial of Gotovina and others continue tomorrow and next week as scheduled.
And finally, a reminder that the Appeals Judgement in the case of Dragomir Milošević will be rendered on 12 November. Timings and location are to be confirmed.
Office of the Prosecutor:
Olga Kavran, Spokesperson for the Office of the Prosecutor, made the following statement:
The Prosecutor is in Belgrade, Serbia today and tomorrow, where he is meeting with the President, Prime Minister, the President of the National Council for Cooperation and the War Crimes Prosecutor.
This is one of his regular working visits to the region of the former Yugoslavia in connection with the biannual report before the Security Council which is scheduled for December. In his meetings with the local authorities, the Prosecutor will discuss issues related to cooperation of Serbia with the Office of the Prosecutor and other matters related to the Tribunal’s Completion Strategy.
Questions:
A journalist asked whether Mr Karadžić will have the right to appeal against the decision of the Trial Chamber on the timing and manner of the resumption of his trial, and if so, how long the Accused would have to file his appeal.
Nerma Jelačić responded that Rule 73 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence provides for the possibility for parties to request for certification to appeal impugned decisions within seven days of its filing. If certification is granted the appeal shall be filed within seven days.