| Press Release |
CHAMBER
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| (Exclusively for the use of the media. Not an official document) |
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The Hague, 30 September 2003
CT/P.I.S./785-e
Miroslav Deronjic Pleads Guilty to Persecutions on Political,
Racial and Religious Grounds as a Crime Against Humanity
On 30 September 2003, Trial Chamber II comprised of Judge Wolfgang Schomburg (presiding), Judge Florence Mumba and Judge Carmel Agius held a hearing to consider a joint motion for consideration of Plea Agreement between Miroslav Deronji} and the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP).
The Motion reflected a negotiated Plea Agreement whereby the accused would agree to plead guilty to the one count in the Second Amended Indictment:
Count 1 : Persecutions, on political, racial, and religious grounds as a crime against humanity, punishable under Articles 5(h) and 7(1) of the Statute of the Tribunal.
The Trial Chamber stated that it was satisfied that the Plea Agreement met the requirements of Rule 62 bis and 62 ter of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence.
Presiding Judge Schomburg read out the indictment in its entirety. Miroslav Deronji} entered a guilty plea to count one and the Trial Chamber filed a finding of guilt for that count.
The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) recommended the Trial Chamber impose a sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, while the Defence recommended no more than 6 years.
A time and date for the Sentencing Hearing will be set in due course.
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International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
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