Mechanism requests new medical assessment for war criminal Ratko Mladić

(Patria) - President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Courts Graciela Gatti Santana has ordered a new independent medical assessment of Ratko Mladić's health condition, after his legal team requested early or conditional release for humanitarian reasons.

Mladić's legal team submitted the request on April 23, 2026, stating that he is in a state of advanced and irreversible deterioration of health. The request also included two medical reports from independent experts which, according to the defense, indicate a serious condition that cannot be adequately treated under detention conditions.

According to information from the Mechanism, Mladić was transferred to a civilian hospital earlier this month, from where he was discharged in stable condition on the same day, with an assessment that there is a potentially reversible cause for his health problems.

The Court considers that additional expert opinions are needed to determine whether there are compelling humanitarian reasons for a possible release. It has been ordered that independent medical experts assess his current condition, prognosis, life expectancy, and the adequacy of medical care in the United Nations detention unit in The Hague.

Registrar Abubacarr M. Tambadou is obliged to submit the requested reports no later than May 1, 2026.

We remind you that in 2021, the Appeals Chamber of the Mechanism upheld Mladić's life sentence for genocide, crimes against humanity, and violations of the laws and customs of war.