Ratko Mladić, Serbian general

The name Ratko Mladić, often pronounced [râtko mlǎːdit͡ɕ] in Serbian Cyrillic (Ратко Младић), stands as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the Yugoslav Wars. Born on March 12, 1942, Mladić rose through the ranks to become a Bosnian Serb colonel-general and, tragically, a convicted war criminal. His actions as the leader of the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) left an indelible scar on history, culminating in his 2017 conviction by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Early Military Career and Rise to Prominence

Mladić's journey began far from the battlefields of the Bosnian War. A long-time member of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia, he commenced his career in the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) in 1965. For years, he served within the established military structure, honing his skills and advancing through the ranks. However, it was with the tragic dissolution of Yugoslavia and the onset of the Yugoslav Wars that Mladić truly came to prominence. Initially, he held a high-ranking officer position within the disintegrating Yugoslav People's Army, a force that was rapidly fragmenting along ethnic lines. As the conflict escalated, particularly in Bosnia, Mladić transitioned to lead the newly formed Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) as its Chief of the General Staff, playing a central role in the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1995.

The Bosnian War and Allegations of Atrocities

During the brutal Bosnian War, Ratko Mladić’s command was associated with some of the most horrific events of the conflict. His forces were responsible for the siege of Sarajevo, a prolonged campaign of terror against the city’s inhabitants that lasted for years, characterized by constant shelling and sniper fire. But it was the Srebrenica massacre in July 1995 that remains the darkest stain on his legacy. In what the ICTY later determined to be an act of genocide, over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were systematically executed by Bosnian Serb forces under Mladić’s ultimate command. These events galvanized international resolve for justice, leading to his indictment.

Indictment, Fugitive Status, and Capture

Justice, though slow, eventually began its pursuit. In July 1996, even as Mladić remained at large, the Trial Chamber of the ICTY proceeded under Rule 61, confirming all counts of the original indictments. The tribunal found reasonable grounds to believe he had committed the alleged crimes, leading to the issuance of an international arrest warrant. For nearly sixteen years, Ratko Mladić managed to evade capture, becoming one of the most wanted fugitives in the world. He was reportedly sheltered initially by Serbian and Bosnian Serb security forces, and later by members of his own family, highlighting the complex political landscape and divisions in the region. Governments, including Serbia and the United States, offered a significant reward of €5 million for information leading to his apprehension. The pressure mounted, both internally and internationally, as Mladić's capture became a crucial pre-condition for Serbia's aspirations for European Union membership candidate status. Finally, on May 26, 2011, the long wait ended. Mladić was arrested in Lazarevo, Serbia, bringing a sense of closure to victims and a significant step forward for international justice.

Trial, Conviction, and Legacy

Following his arrest, Ratko Mladić was extradited to The Hague on May 31, 2011, where he was processed at the detention center for ICTY suspects. His trial formally commenced on May 16, 2012, at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, a monumental undertaking involving extensive witness testimonies and evidence. The world watched as the prosecution meticulously presented its case, detailing the systematic cruelty and immense suffering caused under his command. On November 22, 2017, the ICTY delivered its verdict, finding Mladić guilty of 10 out of 11 charges. He was convicted of one count of genocide, five counts of crimes against humanity, and four counts of violations of the laws or customs of war, receiving a life sentence. While he was cleared of one specific count of genocide, his responsibility for the siege of Sarajevo and the Srebrenica massacre, as the top military officer with command responsibility, was unequivocally established by the Tribunal. Mladić's conviction stands as a landmark decision in international criminal law, reaffirming that even those in positions of power cannot escape accountability for the gravest of crimes.

FAQs: Understanding the Case of Ratko Mladić

Who is Ratko Mladić?

Ratko Mladić is a former Bosnian Serb colonel-general who led the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) during the Yugoslav Wars. He was later convicted as a war criminal for his role in the conflict.

What was he convicted of?

In 2017, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) found Mladić guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity, and violations of the laws or customs of war, including his command responsibility for the siege of Sarajevo and the Srebrenica massacre.

When was Ratko Mladić born?

He was born on March 12, 1942.

When was he arrested?

Ratko Mladić was arrested on May 26, 2011, after nearly sixteen years as a fugitive.

What is the ICTY?

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was a UN court of law that dealt with war crimes committed during the Yugoslav Wars, establishing accountability for those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law.