Ratko Mladić's health has improved since arriving in The Hague

Ratko Mladić's health has improved significantly since his arrival at the Detention Unit, largely thanks to the work of the medical team and the care he is receiving, said the spokesperson for the Hague Tribunal, Nenad Golčevski, for Danas.

"In their latest report, independent medical experts determined that the accused is receiving adequate healthcare in accordance with internationally accepted standards, and they did not recommend any diagnostic examinations that are not already covered by the current treatment plan," said Golčevski.

When asked by Danas journalists to comment on the announcement by the Serbian Ministry of Justice that it would submit an initiative to allow the former commander of the Army of Republika Srpska, Ratko Mladić, to receive treatment in Serbia, Golčevski replied that he could not comment on that, but added that if such a letter arrives, it will be considered by the competent trial chamber.

He emphasized that the medical team of the Detention Unit and a number of specialist doctors are constantly monitoring Mladić's health condition, that the responsible doctor submits regular reports on his health, and that independent medical experts also periodically conduct examinations, who also submit a report on the determined condition.

Golčevski added that the registrar then enters these reports into the case files and makes them public to the Trial Chamber and the parties to the proceedings.

"Whenever they deem it necessary, the medical staff of the Detention Unit provides Mladić with access to specialist doctors and hospital care. Like all other detainees, Mladić, based on Rule 31 of the Rules of Detention, also has the right to request a medical examination by a doctor of his own choice, and he has already exercised this right," pointed out Golčevski.

He added that Mladić has unimpeded access to his medical records and all information contained therein, and that he can decide to share this information with whomever he wishes.

Ratko Mladić is accused of genocide in Srebrenica committed in 1995 and in seven other municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992, as well as the persecution of Bosniaks and Croats, the terrorizing of the citizens of Sarajevo, and taking UNPROFOR members hostage.

He was arrested in 2011, after more than a decade on the run, and the first-instance verdict is expected in November of this year.