The Hague, 13 February 2002 (RFE/RL) -- The war crimes trial of former Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic has entered its second day at The Hague. Prosecutor Geoffrey Nice continued to outline the case against Milosevic today. Milosevic is charged with genocide in the Bosnian war and crimes against humanity in Croatia and Kosovo.
Milosevic refuses to recognize The Hague tribunal and has declined to appoint lawyers to represent him. But he will be given the opportunity to make an opening statement once prosecutors have finished their introductory remarks, which may happen later today.
In the opening day of the trial, prosecutors said Milosevic holds ultimate responsibility for the mass murder and ethnic cleansing of non-Serbs in the conflicts in Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosovo in the 1990s.
Chief prosecutor Carla Del Ponte said some of the atrocities blamed on the former Serbian and Yugoslav president revealed an "almost medieval savagery and a calculated cruelty" that went far beyond the bounds of legitimate warfare.
Milosevic could face life in prison if convicted.
Milosevic refuses to recognize The Hague tribunal and has declined to appoint lawyers to represent him. But he will be given the opportunity to make an opening statement once prosecutors have finished their introductory remarks, which may happen later today.
In the opening day of the trial, prosecutors said Milosevic holds ultimate responsibility for the mass murder and ethnic cleansing of non-Serbs in the conflicts in Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosovo in the 1990s.
Chief prosecutor Carla Del Ponte said some of the atrocities blamed on the former Serbian and Yugoslav president revealed an "almost medieval savagery and a calculated cruelty" that went far beyond the bounds of legitimate warfare.
Milosevic could face life in prison if convicted.