Question

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milosevic on trial
the international criminal tribunal for the former yugoslavia (icty) was established by the united nations security council to prosecute persons responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by various parties during the breakup of former yugoslavia since 1991.
between january 1 and june 20, 1999, the armed forces of the federal republic of yugoslavia (fry), the police forces of the fry, the police forces of serbia, and paramilitary units executed a campaign of terror and violence against the people of kosovo, a province of serbia. approximately 740 000 kosovo civilians of albanian descent were forced to flee the province. their homes were looted and their villages shelled. many were abused or killed as they fled, and massacres were reported in a number of areas.
on april 1, 2001, slobodan milosevic was arrested in belgrade by local authorities. he was transferred to the icty on june 29, 2001, for trial. he was charged as president of the fry, supreme commander of the armed forces, and president of the supreme defence council with violations of the customs of war and with crimes against humanity.
the accused refused to recognize the authority of the icty or to enter a plea. consequently, the trial chamber entered a not - guilty plea on his behalf.
in the interests of securing a fair trial, the trial chamber also invited the registrar to designate counsel to appear as amicus curiae (a friend of the court). the role of amicus curiae is not, as defence counsel, but as an impartial party who represents the interests of the accused. this person may make submissions to objections to evidence and act in appropriate ways to prevent injustice.
in october, 2001, at his third appearance since his extradition from yugoslavia, milosevic refused to enter pleas to a new indictment accusing him of atrocities and murder in croatia in 1991, and to additional charges implicating his forces in kosovo in 1999. once again, he rejected the courts jurisdiction and claimed that the croatia indictment was illegitimate (which was also his position regarding the kosovo indictment). by now, the accused had three amici curiae—british, dutch and yugoslav. but milosevic still refused to co - operate, so counsel entered not - guilty pleas on his behalf.
at trial, slobodan milosevic presented his own defence. he faced 66 counts of war crimes, including the charge of genocide.
law in action

1. explain why milosevic was charged.
2. on what authority did the icty prosecute milosevic?
3. why were amici curiae designated at trial?

Explanation:

1. Milosevic was charged because he was alleged to be responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law. During the breakup of Yugoslavia, campaigns of terror and violence against Kosovo civilians by forces under his influence led to displacement, looting, and killings.
2. The ICTY's authority to prosecute came from the United Nations Security Council which established it to deal with violations committed during the breakup of Yugoslavia.
3. Amici curiae were designated to act as impartial parties representing the interests of the accused, to present submissions on evidence and act to prevent injustice, ensuring a fair trial.

Answer:

1. He was alleged to be responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law including campaigns of terror and violence against Kosovo civilians during the breakup of Yugoslavia.
2. The authority came from the United Nations Security Council which established the ICTY.
3. To act as impartial parties representing the accused's interests, present submissions on evidence, and prevent injustice for a fair - trial.