Joinder of Martic, Stanisic and Simatovic and Seselj Denied

Yesterday, 10 November 2005, Trial Chamber III denied the Prosecution's motion to join three cases involving Milan Martic, Jovica Stanisic, Franko Simatovic and Vojislav Seselj.

The Prosecution's "Motion for joinder" was filed on 30 May 2005 pursuant to Rule 48 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence. In its Motion, the Prosecution contemplated the joinder of yet another indictee, Goran Hadzic, who is still at large.

In its decision, the Trial Chamber concluded that "none of the factors that have been taken into account – judicial economy, conflicts of interest and rights of the accused, minimizing hardship for witnesses and consistency in verdicts – militate in favour of a joinder".

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The full text of the decision is available on the Tribunal's website www.un.org/icty.

Hard copies can also be obtained from the Media Office.

Courtroom proceedings can be followed on the Tribunal's website.