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War-crime convict Ratko Mladic near death; lawyers seek jail release
Lawyers for Ratko Mladic asked a UN court to release him from detention in The Hague, citing bedbound or near-death health and a need for hospital or hospice care in a Serbian-speaking setting. The court has been asked to appoint an independent health assessment, with prior release requests in 2025 noted in the record.
Why It Matters
The case tests the balance between humane treatment and international justice for a convicted war criminal, and highlights how medical evidence can influence detention decisions in high-profile prosecutions.
Timeline
9 Events
May 1, 2026: status reported as awaiting decision
May 1, 2026
The UN court was reported to be awaiting a decision on the bid to release Mladic; the judge had asked for an independent health assessment and medical findings were expected.
April 30, 2026 health submission and independent assessment request
April 30, 2026
In a detailed submission, lawyers argued Mladic is bedbound or in a wheelchair, has suffered a suspected stroke, and that an independent health assessment should be ordered; the assessment was due to deliver its findings on that Friday. Judge Graciela Gatti Santana requested the assessment.
Temporary release request in November 2025
November 2025
Lawyers asked for a temporary release to attend a memorial service for a family member in November 2025.
Lawyers seek release in July 2025
July 2025
Lawyers acting for Mladic sought his release from prison in July 2025.
Sentence upheld on appeal
2021
The sentence was upheld on appeal in 2021.
Convicted and jailed for life
2017
Mladic was jailed for life in 2017 for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Went on trial at The Hague
2012
He went on trial at The Hague in 2012.
Mladic located in rural Serbia after long run
2011
Mladic was tracked down in rural Serbia in 2011 after 16 years on the run.
Mladic disappears during the Bosnian War
1995
Ratko Mladic disappeared in 1995 during the Bosnian War.