---

...but the Bosnian Serb General, Dying
of Cancer, is Released from Custody
THE HAGUE, April 26 (AP) — The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal ruled Friday not to drop charges against a Bosnian Serb general who was released from custody because he is dying of cancer. The tribunal ordered Gen. Djordge Djukic released on humanitarian grounds Wednesday. But it said his indictment for crimes against humanity, for his role in the Serb siege of Sarajevo that killed 10,000 people over 43 months, should stand.

A Dutch doctor told the tribunal that Djukic has pancreatic cancer that has spread to other organs and his spine. His terminal disease means he will likely never face trial. But Friday’s hearing, on motions filed last month, went ahead as a way of bolstering the tribunal’s case law for future proceedings.

Djukic, 62, arrived back in the Serbian capital Belgrade on Thursday and was immediately transferred to the main military hospital there for treatment. Djukic’s lawyer Milan Vujin said Thursday that if the general recovers, he will return to The Hague to clear his name. Djukic has always maintained his innocence.

In its first of three motions Friday to dismiss charges, the defense asked the tribunal to order a halt to proceedings against Djukic in the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo, where Djukic was arrested Jan. 30. The other two motions said the indictment was too vague and requested evidence taken from Djukic be ruled inadmissible and returned to him.


Apr 24 · Tribunal Orders Gen. Djukic's Release
Krsmanovic-Djukic Arrest, the Backstory

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