Meron visited former Čelebići camp

The President of the Hague Tribunal, Theodor Meron, visited the former Čelebići camp near Konjic today as part of a three-day visit to BiH.

- My stay here emphasizes the importance of the Tribunal's work in sanctioning individual criminal responsibility, thereby contributing to a world where the rule of law is of utmost importance - Meron said. 

- This barracks is an obvious reminder of a tragic past, but today it is also a powerful symbol of the resilience of the people of BiH and the extraordinary efforts they have made to achieve progress in creating a community where people of all nationalities work together to achieve common goals. I have great hope that the Tribunal's work will contribute to a society where the rule of law will prevail, and where the suffering of those we remember today here in the Čelebići camp will never be repeated - Meron said. 

He laid flowers at the Čelebići site for the victims who were imprisoned and for all those who perished. More than 400 prisoners of Serbian nationality passed through the Čelebići camp, 16 of whom were killed.

Meron will also visit the memorial to those killed in September 1993 in Uzdol, Prozor municipality. In Sarajevo, he will meet with Meddžida Kreso, President of the Court of BiH.

Theodor Meron did not wish to comment on the Trial Chamber's decision to release Vojislav Šešelj, a war criminal, on temporary leave.

- I never comment on the decisions of the Trial Chamber, so I will not do so in this case either. As President of the Tribunal, I have no role in the Council's decision-making process. This is a fundamental principle of judicial independence, and I remain committed to it. Furthermore, the Prosecutor's Office did not appeal the decision on the temporary release of Vojislav Šešelj, and therefore, this matter did not reach the Appeals Chamber, which I preside over - Meron said.