In a much-anticipated decision, they said there had been “no real attempt to demonstrate that the accused’s medical needs cannot be met in the Netherlands”, adding it had not been proven that the Bakulev Centre in Moscow is the only possible place to treat Milosevic. They pointed out the trial is in the “latter stages” and said that despite guarantees provided by the Russian Federation and personal undertakings from Milosevic, they were not satisfied that if released, he would return for the continuation of his trial.

During a court hearing at the end of week, Milosevic told judges he considered the decision “highly unjust” and indicated he hoped it would be placed before the Appeals Chamber.