Russian Doctors Agree With Conclusion Of Milosevic Autopsy

A Russian supporter of the late Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic holds his portrait at a protest outside the U.S. Embassy in Moscow on March 13. (epa) March 15, 2006 -- Russian experts who reviewed the autopsy of the late Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic say they agree with the conclusion of Dutch pathologist that he died of a heart attack.

The four-member Russian team was despatched to The Hague amid suspicions over the circumstances surrounding Milosevic's death. Milosevic had long suffered from significant health problems, causing frequent interruptions to his trial at the UN's War Crimes Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Milosevic faced 66 charges on counts including genocide and war crimes.

(AFP)

In Poor Health

Slobodan Milosevic in an undated file photo (CTK)

HEART TROUBLES, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Almost since the beginning of his trial in The Hague in February 2002, Slobodan Milosevic has been complaining of ill health. His trial has been repeatedly delayed as he sought medical treatment. As recently as February 24, the court declined Milosevic's request to travel to Russia for treatment for heart problems and elevated blood pressure, despite pledges from Moscow that Milosevic would be returned to The Hague to continue his trial on 66 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
"[My health is] getting worse because of the decision that gives me no chance or adequate time to prepare my defense, and that is pretty clear," Milosevic told the court on July 5, 2004. " Because of that, I think that you have an obligation to give me adequate time."
"[The judges] have been very clear that there is no evidence to suggest that Mr. Milosevic is not fit enough to stand trial," court spokesman Jim Landale told journalists the next day. "They have decided that the time has possibly come for them to assign what is called a 'standby counsel.' That is a lawyer who would work alongside Mr. Milosevic and, were Mr. Milosevic to become ill again, be able to step in and represent his interests in court."

Of related interest:

Moscow Unhappy At Milosevic Travel Ban To Russia

Milosevic Seeks Leave For Health Checks In Russia

War Crimes Trial Takes Summer Recess Amid Concerns Over Milosevic's Health

Slobodan Milosevic's Life And Legacy

THE COMPLETE PICTURE: An archive of RFE/RL's coverage of the trial of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.

Of related interest:

RFE/RL Special: The Collapse Of Tito's Yugoslavia

RFE/RL Special: Yugoslavia's Democratic Revolution