Q:
A:
Kostunica calls on Fausto Pocar to protect Seselj's rights
Belgrade,
1 December 2006
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica demanded that President of the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY) Fausto Pocar uses his position to prevent possible irreparable damage to the life and health of Doctor Vojislav Seselj, as well as a breach of the basic principles of both criminal law and elementary humanity.
Vojislav Kostunica, left, and Fausto Pocar
The Serbian government's official web site gives Kostunica's letter to Pocar in full.
"Mister President,
It is my duty to bring to your attention the grave situation that ensued after Doctor Vojislav Seselj, accused before the court over which you preside, began his hunger strike.
The Serbian government is deeply concerned that Doctor Seselj's basic rights may be endangered and breached, though they are guaranteed to every human being – the right to choose defence counsel before the court, but primarily the right to life.
It is a fact that Doctor Vojislav Seselj turned himself over to the Tribunal voluntarily over three and a half years ago, a fact that, to say the least, questions the efficiency of the institution over which you preside. I would also like to remind you that the Serbian government has offered all legal guarantees for the defendant on two occasions.
I am convinced that you, mister President, will use all authorisations provided by your position to prevent any irreparable consequences to the health and life of the defendant, as well as any breach of not only criminal law principles, but also elementary humanity. Therefore, all responsibility now rests in the hands of the Tribunal, at whose helm you stand", reads Kostunica's letter.
"Mister President,
It is my duty to bring to your attention the grave situation that ensued after Doctor Vojislav Seselj, accused before the court over which you preside, began his hunger strike.
The Serbian government is deeply concerned that Doctor Seselj's basic rights may be endangered and breached, though they are guaranteed to every human being – the right to choose defence counsel before the court, but primarily the right to life.
It is a fact that Doctor Vojislav Seselj turned himself over to the Tribunal voluntarily over three and a half years ago, a fact that, to say the least, questions the efficiency of the institution over which you preside. I would also like to remind you that the Serbian government has offered all legal guarantees for the defendant on two occasions.
I am convinced that you, mister President, will use all authorisations provided by your position to prevent any irreparable consequences to the health and life of the defendant, as well as any breach of not only criminal law principles, but also elementary humanity. Therefore, all responsibility now rests in the hands of the Tribunal, at whose helm you stand", reads Kostunica's letter.
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