Date: 18.06.2014
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Registry and Chambers:
Magdalena Spalińska, Spokesperson for Registry and Chambers, made the following statement:
Good afternoon,
Last Friday, in the case of Vojislav Šešelj, the Trial Chamber issued an order asking the parties to submit their observations on the possible provisional release of the accused proprio motu, i.e at the initiative of the Chamber. The Prosecution was given seven days to make their observations, and the Defence seven days from receipt of the B/C/S translation of the decision. This translation was issued on Monday 16 June. The accused submitted his observations yesterday.
In issuing this Order, the Trial Chamber noted the Appeals Chamber’s decision of 6 June 2014 to continue proceedings in this case. The Trial Chamber also noted that proceedings will be delayed for an undetermined period while Judge Niang familiarises himself with the trial record and observed that the accused has already served all terms of imprisonment connected with his convictions for contempt of court.
Moving onto the courtrooms, a Pre-Defence Conference in the case of Goran Hadžić was held yesterday. It was announced that the Trial Chamber will sit five days a week during July and August, outside the recess. The Defence requested a reduction of this sitting schedule to four days a week in July given that the accused is the only witness expected to testify. A decision on this request is pending. The Defence case will commence on 3 July 2014 at 09:00 in Courtroom III. Defence indicated they would need 140 hours to present their case. The accused is said to be the first witness and will make a statement pursuant to Rule 84 bis of procedures and evidence of Tribunal.
The trial of Ratko Mladić is currently adjourned due to the ill health of the Accused.
Finally, a Status Conference in the case of Zdravko Tolimir will be held on Tuesday 24 June at 15:15 in Courtroom I.
Office of the Prosecutor:
No representative was present from the Office of the Prosecutor.
Questions:
A journalist asked for more information about Mladic’s health and when he will return to The Courtroom. Spaliñska answered that only thing that is known at the moment is what was said in The Courtroom few days ago, that Mladic is ill health and this ill health is not connected with either his heart or brain problems. The trial is expected to continue tomorrow, but it will depend on the health state of the accused.
Asked about Prosecution who is due to submit their response by Friday in Seselj case, Spaliñska confirmed the deadline, adding that the filling is not received yet.