UN court enters not guilty plea on behalf of Mladic

04/07/11 11:13 CET

world news

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Ratko Mladic has refused to enter a plea at the UN war crimes court in The Hague, angrily demanding more time to appoint his own lawyers.

The head judge has instead entered a not guilty plea on Mladic’s behalf, citing rules of the court.

When the former Bosnian Serb general refused to hear details of the charges, including genocide during the Bosnian war, judges ordered his removal from the court room.

A lawyer representing Mladic had earlier said the 69-year-old would boycott today’s hearing.

There were testy exchanges betwen Mladic and the chief judge over various matters, including the naming of defence lawyers. The accused was also warned not to communicate with the public gallery.

Mladic was arrested in May after 16 years on the run.

More about: Bosnian war, Ratko Mladic, The Hague, War crimes

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