Last fugitive from Yugoslav conflict arrives in The Hague

The last remaining fugitive from the conflict in the former Yugoslavia has arrived in the Hague. Goran Hadzic was the wartime leader of Croatia’s Serbs and is wanted for war crimes by the UN.

This is a pivotal moment for Belgrade. Why? Because the EU insisted Serbia arrested all those on the UN’s wanted list before it grants candidate status for membership.

For the tribunal, though, this is about serving the interests of international justice.

“For the tribunal and for international justice, the arrest of Goran Hadzic is a milestone to remember. With Goran Hadzic now in custody, we will turn our full attention to the completion of our remaining trials and appeals. Our objective is to work as expeditiously as possible while respecting the rights of the accused.” ICTY Prosecutor Serge Brammertz told journalists.

Hadzic faces charges of crimes against humanity relating to the 1991-95 conflict in Croatia. He was on the run for seven years before his arrest on Wednesday, outlasting Bosnian Serb military commander Ratko Mladic at large.

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