Registrar Prohibits Political Campaigning from Detention Unit

The Tribunal's Deputy Registrar has made clear there will be no more political campaigning from the Tribunal's Detention Unit (DU) in The Netherlands. David Tolbert issued two decisions today, one directed to Slobodan Milosevic, the other to Vojislav Seselj, restricting their visits and telephone privileges for thirty days due to their violation of DU rules against communicating with the media. The decisions permit contact with their counsel (both have chosen to represent themselves, but Milosevic has three legal assistants), immediate family members and diplomatic or consular officials.

The decision directed to Slobodan Milosevic, who is on trial for 66 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, states that a speech he made from his cell was broadcast on December 3, 2003 and later reported in the media. Vojislav Seselj, awaiting trial on 15 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, participated in a press conference and gave interviews to journalists in violation of DU rules. The head of the DU gave him an official warning on November 14, 2003, to desist from such activities, stating that any further breach of the rules would result in disciplinary action.

Both men, former politicians in Serbia during a decade of war where widespread crimes were committed, are candidates in the upcoming December 28, 2003 parliamentary elections in Serbia. The Registrar's decision is based on its charge from the UN Security Council -- to assist in establishing peace and security in the former Yugoslavia. Facilitating two men who are accused of the most grievous crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia to participate in elections there 'is likely to frustrate the Tribunal's mandate,' Mr. Tolbert wrote.

Indeed, to permit the two indictees to run electoral campaigns from their detention cells would make a mockery of the Tribunal and its mission. The Registrar has acted quickly and firmly to uphold the integrity of the Tribunal. Nevertheless, anyone familiar with the process can be sure the two Accused will loudly protest that their rights have been violated, ignoring the fact that they retain the right to communicate generally by letter and in person or via telephone with counsel, family and diplomatic officials, as well as the fact that the restrictions resulted from their abuse of DU privileges. The Registrar's decision is subject to review at the end of the 30 day period.