“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.


On the second day of the sentencing hearing for Milan Babic, the former president of the former Republic of Serbian Krajina addressed the Trial Chamber. He had previously pleaded guilty to participating in a joint criminal enterprise in Croatia in 1991 and 1992. Here is his statement in its entirety:

“Your Honors, I can only say that I am very sorry for what I have done. I hope that by facing this Tribunal and telling the truth I can help to achieve reconciliation among the peoples in the Balkans.

I have placed myself at the disposal of this Tribunal in the belief that it is the only institution that can bring peace to my homeland. 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.

I urge all the others who know the facts about what happened to come before the Tribunal and tell the truth, to record the historical truth so that future generations can learn from our mistakes. Thank you.”

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