2006-01-31

Njega i Rusa 200 miliona

I've yet to see this reported anywhere else, but Index.hr is reporting that ICTY has agreed to ship off Slobodan Milošević for "medical treatment" to Russia, and that Mr Milošević has agreed for his trial to continue (and verdict be delivered?) in his absence. More information would be needed to tell whether Index's "well informed sources" are correct, but even if they are, the news leaves several questions unanswered. In particular, it leaves open the question of who would be representing the side of the accused, which is in the process of presenting the defence. If the job is done by attorneys (which ones?) it would be reasonable to expect a major change in defence strategy, in which case the result might be more rather than less delay. Another detail of the report is that Milošević would await his verdict, and likely also serve whatever sentence he may receive, in a luxurious suburban villa. Delightfully tendentious line from the report: "Representatives of the Tribunal are not exactly thrilled with this development of events, but they are aware that the trial of Milošević, with the evidence that has been gathered by Carla del Ponte, has reached a dead end and that the sentence which he could receive on the basis of it would not in any way approach the level of his guilt." Does that come from a well informed source, as well?

5 comments:

Katja R. said...

I am not against ANYONE haveing reasonable medical attention, but what is so special about having it in Russia vs the Netherlands? I mean the Netherlands is a First World country, they surely don't have anything special in Russia for coronary artery problems that isn't available in the Netherlands. He's certainly better off than my poor friend that fell and broke her hip and can't afford a nursing home!

Eric Gordy said...

I'm noticing that no other media sources are picking up the story. This, and also the vagueness in the article, make me think it is probably not true.

Katja R. said...

Well it's been all over Pravda for awhile but then who the HELL believes Pravda?

Eric Gordy said...

Pravda? There are people who swear by their little handbags.

Katja R. said...

xaxaxaxaxa now we have to arrest you and take you to Siberija! xaxaxaxa! *handcuffs Gordy and hustles him into a black car*