Srebrenica's Mastermind Still on the Run

by Michelle . · 2010-03-06 06:51:00 UTC
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MladicRatko Mladic has the rare honor of being one of the most wanted men in the world. Accused of committing genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and, apparently, "hooliganism," during the  Bosnian War, Mladic is also the alleged mastermind of the war's most infamous massacre at Srebrenica. He's also been on the lam for 15 years.

Over the past years, there have been rumors of his arrest, of his death, of police closing in on him. He's supposedly been sighted in Moscow and Athens, at soccer games and restaurants. His skillful evasion of capture is rumored to be the work of elements in the Serbian army -- rumors strong enough to make the European Union condition Serbia's membership application on Mladic's apprehension. Without question, many with Serbia remain loyal to the fugitive war criminal.

And the rumors are flying again: Last week, police raided the home of Mladic's son in Belgrade, for the second time in 14 months, reportedly in an effort to track his "financial support network." But is the effort genuine, or merely a show aimed at convincing the world that Serbia is on the case?

Whether a larger conspiracy is at play, or Mladic simply relies on a few committed friends to cover his tracks, maintaining international pressure on Serbia is likely the best way to ensure his eventual arrest -- though threatening the prosecution of those harboring the cunning hooligan wouldn't hurt, either.

Photo credit: Evstafiev Mikhail.

Michelle . has been involved in various activist endeavors, including the Teach Against Genocide pilot campaigns.
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