UN Court Denies Bosnian Serb Leader Mladic Early Release on Health Grounds

A United Nations war crimes court has denied Ratko Mladic's request for early release on health grounds, ruling that his condition, though precarious and requiring dependency on others, does not meet the threshold of an acute terminal illness necessary for release. Mladic, 83, who is serving a life sentence for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity related to the 1992-95 Bosnian war, including the Srebrenica massacre and the siege of Sarajevo, continues to receive comprehensive and compassionate medical care at the UN detention center in The Hague. The court acknowledged that while Mladic is nearing the end of his life and suffers from cognitive impairments, his health is stable and well managed. The tribunal emphasized that the compelling humanitarian reasons cited by Mladic for his release were not substantiated by the medical evidence presented. Despite his deteriorating health and transfer to palliative care, the court maintained that the current arrangements provide high-quality care tailored to his specific conditions. The decision reflects the court’s determination to uphold justice for the atrocities committed during the Yugoslav wars.