| Press Release |
REGISTRY
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| (Exclusively for the use of the media. Not an official document) |
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The Hague, 3 August 1998
CC/PIU/337-E
Milan Kovacevic passed away
The Registry of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia announces that on Saturday 1 August 1998, the accused Dr. Milan KOVACEVIC passed away in his cell at the UN Detention Unit between 9 and 9.30 a.m. approximately.
The medical officer on duty has informed the Tribunal that the death was due to natural causes, presumably a massive heart attack. The family and the counsel of the detainee have been informed as well as the Host country and the Diplomatic Representation in the Netherlands.
Acting under Rule 32(B) of the Rules of Detention the Registrar of the ICTY has immediately requested the Dutch authorities to conduct an inquest in accordance with the legal requirements of the Host State.
According to Rule 32(C) of the Rules of Detention, Judge Mohamed Shahabuddeen, the ICTY Vice-President acting as President in the absence of Judge Gabrielle Kirk McDonald, has decided to open an internal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr. Milan KOVACEVIC.
Background
Milan KOVACEVIC, born in Bozici, Prijedor municipality, on 10 February 1941; Detained by SFOR forces on 10 July 1997 in Prijedor under an indictment issued on 13 March 1997 and not publicly disclosed until the detention of the accussed; The trial of Milan KOVACEVIC began on 6 July 1998 on charges of Genocide, Complicity to commit genocide, Crime against humanity, Violation of the laws or customs of war and Grave Breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
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International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
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