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The Hague, 25 April 2002
JL/P.I.S./672e
Transfer of Dragoljub Ojdanic to The Hague
On 25 April 2002, Dragoljub Ojdanic was transferred from Serbia, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), to the Detention Unit of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague.
Dragoljub Ojdanic is charged in an amended Indictment, confirmed on 29 October 2001. It alleges that, between 1 January 1999 and 20 June 1999, forces of the FRY and Serbia acting at the direction, with the encouragement, or with the support of the four accused, Milan Milutinovic, Nikola Sainovic, Vlajko Stojiljkovic and Dragoljub Ojdanic, executed a campaign of terror and violence directed at Kosovo Albanian civilians. At all times relevant to this Indictment, Dragoljub Ojdanic held the post of Chief of General Staff of the Yugoslav Army (VJ).
It is alleged that the operations targeting the Kosovo Albanians were undertaken with the objective of expelling a substantial portion of the Kosovo Albanian population from Kosovo in an effort to ensure continued Serbian control over the province. The Indictment goes on to describe a series of well-planned and coordinated operations undertaken by the forces of the FRY and Serbia.
Approximately 800,000 Kosovo Albanian civilians were expelled from the province by their forced removal and subsequent looting and destruction of their homes, or by the shelling of villages. Surviving residents were sent to the borders of neighbouring countries. En route, many were killed, abused and had their possessions and identification papers stolen. Furthermore, specific massacres allegedly committed by Serb forces in places such as Dakovica/Gjakovë, Suva Reka/Suharekë, Racak/Reçak, Bela Crkva/Bellacërke, Mala Krusa/Krushë e Vogël, Velika Krusa/Krushë e Madhe, Padaliste/Padalishtë, Izbica/Izbicë, Vucitrn/Vushtrri, Dubrava/Dubravë Prison complex, Meja/Mejë and Kacanik/Kacanik are listed in the Indictment.
Charges
The Indictment charges Dragoljub Ojdanic, on the basis of individual criminal responsibility (Article 7(1) of the Statute) and superior criminal responsibility (Article 7(3) thereof) with:
one count of violations of the laws or customs of war (Article 3 of the Statute – murder),
four counts of crimes against humanity (Article 5 thereof – deportation; murder; persecutions on political, racial or religious grounds; other inhumane acts)
The date and time for the initial appearance of Dragoljub Ojdanic will be announced in due course.
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International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
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