After the 21 July 2008 arrest of Serb war criminal, Radovan Karadzic, interesting news has been revealed. Karadzic used a false identity–complete with a long white beard and large glasses to hide his existence in Serbia. Karadzic used false documents and the name ‘Dragan Dabic’ so that he could move freely within Serbia. His disguise was so convincing that he was not detected and worked as a doctor in alternative medicine, even attending conferences throughout Serbia (“Karadzic lived in Belgrade under false identity,” Voice of America, 22 July 2008).
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Serbia handed Karadzic over to the UN war crimes tribunal on Tuesday, 29 July, where he nows awaits trial in the Hague. Karadzic stated that he will defend himself and that he denies the charges of genocide leveled against him. Due to the complexity of the trial and the need for both sides to prepare their arguments, the trial will not begin for some months (“Karadzic handed over to UN,” News 24, 30 July 2008).
Meanwhile, in Belgrade, nationalists held a rally on Tuesday protesting the arrest of Karadzic and thousands of Karadzic supporters were bused in from throughout Serbia and Bosnia. The rally ended in riots, as protesters threw rocks and fireworks at police. Police responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets. About 45 individuals have been treated for light injuries (“Karadzic supporters clash with police in Belgrade,” National Post, 29 July 2008).
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Posted By Nicole Slezak
Posted Jul 31st, 2007