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Milosevic War Crimes Judge Steps Down
The presiding judge in Slobodan Milosevicâs war crimes trial will resign for health reasons, the U.N. tribunal said Sunday. Judge Richard May of Britain will step down from the high-profile judgeship in three months, coinciding with the start of the former Yugoslav presidentâs defense at the U.N. war crimes tribunal. "Judge Mayâs letter of resignation states that his recent illness will make it increasingly difficult for him to continue the performance of his duties and that he believes, however reluctantly, that his resignation is in the best interests of the tribunal," said tribunal President Theodor Meron. Prosecutors are to conclude their case this week after two years. The trial has been repeatedly delayed by Milosevicâs own illnesses.How convenient for Slobo. A few more fake illnesses and perhaps all the judges will have croaked. Milosevic, who faces 66 counts of war crimes including genocide, is to start his defense case after a three month break for preparations. He is representing himself. Three months? Oh, right, theyâre using European rules. Lucky for them that Sloboâs victims will be no more dead then than they are now. Under the courtâs statute, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan will appoint a successor. It was not immediately clear what delays or other effects the resignation would have on the course of the trial. "I am confident that Judge Mays resignation will not have an unduly disruptive effect on any proceedings before the tribunal," Meron said in a statement. I think heâs right but not for the reasons he thinks he has. There were no immediate details about Mayâs illness. Threatened impending traumatic headache? Posted by: Steve White 2004-02-22 |
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