On the eve of the sentencing hearing, the prosecution points to a number of "firsts" in the case of Milan Babic, former president of the former Republic of Serbian Krajina, accused of participation in a joint criminal enterprise whose purpose it was to remove the non-Serb population from large areas of Croatia ( permanently and forcibly, and the credit due to the accused, proposing a prison sentence of eleven years.

Dr. Mladen Loncar testifies that Milan Babic's guilty plea has brought satisfaction to Croatian victims and a certain relief to Serbs in Croatia.

“I know that some people consider me a traitor, but I believe that my facing the Tribunal is in the best interest of all people, to establish the truth," said Milan Babic addressing the Trial Chamber which is to sentence him.

In their closing arguments at the sentencing hearing for Milan Babic, the prosecution and defense stressed that his guilty plea, remorse and cooperation will contribute substantially to the establishment of truth and will assist the Tribunal in fulfilling its mandate; both sides sought a sentence of "less than 11 years in prison.”

Will judges take into account the specific circumstances that make the case of Milan Babic unique in the Tribunal's history when they impose a sentence on the former Croatian Serb leader?

According to judges, the sentence recommended by prosecutors--two years shorter than the one they imposed--did not achieve the purposes of punishment or justice.

The Appeals Chamber dismissed almost all the grounds for appeal stated by the former RSK leader and confirmed the sentence imposed by the Trial Chamber. One ground for appeal was granted in part, but did not affect the sentence