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Karadzic appears at UN war crimes tribunal

By Mike Corder
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Posted 31 July 2008 @ 10:22 pm HKT

THE HAGUE, Netherlands - Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic appeared at the U.N.'s Yugoslav war crimes tribunal for the first time Thursday, telling the judge he would defend himself against charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Shorn of the long white hair and bushy beard that disguised him as a new age guru during at least part of his 13 years as a fugitive, Karadzic wore a dark suit and tie for the hearing to enter pleas in the 11 counts against him.

"I have an invisible adviser but I have decided to represent myself," he calmly told presiding judge Alphons Orie.

Karadzic listened intently as Orie read a summary of the indictment in which prosecutors allege Karadzic masterminded atrocities, including the Srebrenica massacre and siege of Sarajevo during Bosnia's 1992-95 war.

Karadzic then identified himself by stating his name, date and place of birth. He also gave his most recent address as his family home in Pale, Bosnia, but also gave the address of the apartment in Belgrade where he was living under an assumed name before his address.

When Orie asked him if his family knew where he was being held, Karadzic replied "I do not believe there is anyone who does not know that I am in the detention unit."

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