THE HAGUE: War criminal dies after drinking poison in UN court

A commander on trial for war crimes has reportedly died after drinking poison in court when a judge refused to reduce his sentence. Croatia’s prime minister has confirmed the death of convicted war criminal Slobodan Praljak. Wartime commander of Bosnian Croat forces, Praljak, 72, sipped a toxic liquid during a hearing at the U.N. war […]

A commander on trial for war crimes has reportedly died after drinking poison in court when a judge refused to reduce his sentence.

Croatia’s prime minister has confirmed the death of convicted war criminal Slobodan Praljak.

Wartime commander of Bosnian Croat forces, Praljak, 72, sipped a toxic liquid during a hearing at the U.N. war crimes tribunal yesterday after his 20-year prison sentence was upheld, his lawyer said.

Praljak tilted back his head and took a swing from a flask or glass as the judge delivered the verdict.

After drinking the liquid, Praljak told the court: ‘I am not a war criminal, I oppose this conviction.’

The presiding judge, Carmel Agius, immediately suspended the hearing and called for a doctor.

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), established by the United Nations in 1993, shuts its doors next month when its mandate expires.