The war crimes trail for the chairman of the Serbian Radical Party resumed at the international court in the Hague Wednesday. Vojislav Seselj, 52, is one of the most senior officials of the government of the former Yugoslavia to face prosecution for war crimes during the Bosnian wars. Seselj faces prosecution for murder, persecution, inhumane treatment and wanton destruction of charges. Prosecutors say his nationalist speeches incited others to commit heinous acts, including rape and murder, in the effort to achieve a Greater Serbia through ethnic cleansing.
Prosecutors claim his speeches inspired others to commit grievous acts. Christine Dahl, prosecutor for war crimes in Bosnia and Serbia, told the court that the actions of Seselj amount to raising a paramilitary army for the purpose of ethnic cleansing. “He indoctrinated them with his own poisonous ideas and sent them to the front lines … where they and others committed unspeakable crimes.” Dahl said he committed some of the most brutal soldiers to the effort at a Greater Serbia.
Seselj did not deny the charges of contributing nationalist rhetoric. Acting as his own defense, Seselj countered the charges, saying his actions do not constitute war crimes. Seselj is expected to give statements in Thursday's proceedings. He surrendered in February 2003, stating his intent to turn the tribunal into a circus. His trial began last November, but was immediately halted following a hunger strike.
He faces a life sentence if convicted on all charges.
