Victims' Associations Write to President Gatti Santana: Sentence Must Be Served, No Early Release for Criminal Mladić

(Patria) - The Association of Victims and Witnesses of Genocide, the "Mothers of the Enclaves of Srebrenica and Žepa" Movement Association, the "Žena Podrinja" Association, the Mothers of Srebrenica Association, and the Women of Srebrenica Association have sent a letter to the President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Courts, Graciela Gatti Santana, regarding the defense's request for the release of Ratko Mladić.

"Representatives of victims and survivors strongly oppose the defense's request for early or temporary release.

This request is nothing new. Ever since Ratko Mladić was brought before the international court, the defense has systematically tried to secure his release using the same or similar arguments. Trial chambers and court presidents have considered and rejected such attempts multiple times.

Yesterday's request is based on alleged humanitarian grounds. However, the mere fact that the defense offers an alternative, whether temporary or early release, clearly shows that it is not a solely necessary measure, but a legal tactic. This also calls into question the claim of immediate life endangerment.

The claim that treatment in Serbia would be more appropriate than that provided within the framework of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Courts is particularly problematic. This is an institution that has a clear obligation to ensure adequate medical care for all detainees under international supervision and high standards. The claim that such a system cannot provide adequate healthcare requires firm and unambiguous evidence, which has not been convincingly presented in this case," the letter states.

Victims remind that Ratko Mladić was finally convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity, and the most severe war crimes committed in Europe after World War II. The life sentence is not symbolic; it represents a minimum of justice for thousands of murdered individuals and their families.

"For the survivors, such requests mean reopening wounds and an attempt to relativize responsibility. While speaking of the convicted person's 'dignity,' the dignity of the victims, which lasts a lifetime, must not be forgotten.

Serving the sentence represents a minimum of justice. Early or temporary release:

– would undermine the finality of judgments,

– would re-traumatize victims and survivors,

– would damage trust in international justice.

Many victims still live with permanent physical and psychological consequences. Unlike the convicted person, they have not been offered any 'relief'.

While the defense invokes dignity at the end of life, victims emphasize that dignity also includes responsibility. The imposed sentence is precisely an expression of that dignity towards the victims and must not be reduced except in truly exceptional circumstances, which do not exist in this case.

Release at this time would send a dangerous message that even those convicted of genocide can evade full responsibility by invoking old age or illness. Therefore, the victims clearly state: Justice must remain consistent. The sentence must be served. There is no early end for crimes that have no expiration date", the letter to President Gatti Santana stated.