Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Serbian president warns of war crimes network

Adam Tanner
Thursday 21 July 2011 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Serbia's last major war crimes suspect was able to evade capture thanks to a network of hardliners and may have spent time in Russia, according to the Serb President and investigators.

Goran Hadzic could be transferred to the war crimes tribunal in The Hague later today, his lawyer Toma Fila said.

He confirmed that the 52-year-old had fathered a child with a woman who was not his wife during his years on the run.

"He will be transferred to The Hague after his families visit today and tomorrow," Mr Fila said.

Mr Hadzic, a Croatian Serb wartime leader, was indicted for crimes against humanity during the 1991-95 Croatian war. Serbian security officials arrested him on Wednesday on a forest road in the Fruska Gora national park region about 65km (40 miles) north of Belgrade.

"He did not resist arrest. He froze for a moment when he saw the arrest team," said a state security operative who did not want to be named. "He had a handgun but didn't reach for it."

Officials believe Mr Hadzic had spent at least part of his time on the run in Russia and had investigated electronic payments linked to him, the operative said.

Serbian President Boris Tadic said authorities would unmask a network of hardliners who had helped war crimes suspects evade justice.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in