Hague Mechanism Rejects Early Release Request for War Criminal Milan Martić

(Patria) - The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Courts in The Hague has rejected the request for early release from prison of Hague convict Milan Martić.

The former president of the self-proclaimed Republic of Serbian Krajina, who is serving a prison sentence in Estonia, is eligible for parole after serving two-thirds of his 35-year sentence.

Judge and President of the Mechanism Graciela Gatti Santana rejected Martić's request for early release due to the "gravity of the crimes and the lack of sufficient signs of rehabilitation".

Her decision stated that Martić has not shown critical re-examination of his actions during his sentence and has not expressed remorse to the victims, but rather presents himself as a political prisoner.

Santana also stated that Martić's health condition was taken into account, but that he is under regular medical supervision.

The Hague Tribunal sentenced Milan Martić to 35 years in prison for crimes against humanity and violations of the laws and customs of war from 1991 to 1995 in Croatia, including persecution, murder, deportation, attacks on civilians, and wanton destruction of civilian areas.

The verdict also includes responsibility for missile attacks on Zagreb in May 1995.