IRMCT DOESN'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT POSSIBILITY OF TREATING RATKO MLADIĆ IN SERBIA

HAGUE, APRIL 17 /SRNA/ - The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in Hague /IRMCT/ didn't want to answer SRNA's question whether it will consider the possibility of approving the treatment of General Ratko Mladić in Serbia due to his deteriorating health and lack of proper treatment in Hague.

The IRMCT's press service stated that the Mechanism "has a duty to protect the privacy and medical confidentiality of all convicted persons serving their sentences under its supervision". "As such, the IRMCT is not at liberty to discuss the health situation of any person under its authority, including Mr. Ratko Mladić," the press service said. The IRMCT claims that it "fully respects the rights of all persons detained under its authority" and upholds the highest international standards, including those related to health care". The press service also claims that when monitoring health conditions, the IRMCT relies on the expertise and advice of qualified medical professionals, including independent medical professionals when circumstances so warrant it. However, it is known that General Mladić's health condition is deteriorating day by day and that he is not receiving adequate medical care, which amounts to violation of both humanitarian law and General Mladić's basic human rights. Minister of Justice of Serbia Nenad Vujić previously called on the IRMCT again to allow Serb General Ratko Mladić to receive treatment in Serbia, warning that any further delay could have unforeseeable consequences for the general's health and life. Vujić pointed out that it is unacceptable that the basic human right to medical treatment is being called into question, and recalled that Serbia has officially requested on several occasions that General Mladić be provided with medical treatment in Serbia, with all the necessary guarantees from the state, but that these requests have remained without an adequate response. Serbia's Minister of Justice has therefore once again called on the Hague Mechanism and other competent international institutions to enable the treatment of General Mladić in Serbia without delay, in accordance with the principles of humanity, international law and universal standards of human rights protection, the Serbian Ministry of Justice announced. General Ratko Mladić recently suffered a mild stroke and is now in a very serious condition, the general's son Darko Mladić told SRNA. General Mladić has suffered multiple strokes and has serious cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, neurological damage, and kidney problems.