Dutch authorities launch investigation after Slobodan Praljak's suicide

THE HAGUE, (Patria) - Dutch authorities have launched an investigation into the suicide of Slobodan Praljak, who drank a liquid from a bottle in the courtroom of the Hague Tribunal during the pronouncement of his 20-year prison sentence, claiming it was poison. Praljak died in hospital several hours later.

Judge Karmel Ađius stated at the continuation of the pronouncement of the verdict in the Prlić et al. case that he had requested an investigation to be launched.

The courtroom where the incident occurred has been closed, and an investigation and forensic examination are underway to determine the contents of the bottle and how Praljak brought it into the courtroom.

The Hague Tribunal is concluding its work, and its very end has been marked by Praljak's suicide today.

The Appeals Chamber today confirmed prison sentences totalling 111 years for six war criminals. A joint criminal enterprise was established in the international conflict in which Croatia also participated.