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Milošević
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Milošević

Former Serbian and Yugoslav president whose international war-crimes trial ended without a verdict.

Slobodan Milošević's international war-crimes trial ended without a verdict after his death on 11 March 2006. The former Serbian and Yugoslav president faced charges concerning Kosovo, Croatia and Bosnia.

Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

What does Milošević's case show about prosecuting a wartime head of state?

Timeline for Milošević

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Background

Slobodan Milošević held the Serbian and Yugoslav presidencies during the break-up of Yugoslavia. He became President of Serbia's Presidency in May 1989, then won the presidency under Serbia's new constitution in December 1990. He later served as President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. ICTY indictment.

The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia prosecuted him for alleged crimes in Kosovo, Croatia and Bosnia. Its Kosovo indictment included crimes against humanity and violations of the laws or customs of war. Milošević died on 11 March 2006 while his trial was still under way. The tribunal terminated proceedings on 14 March without reaching a verdict on his guilt. ICTY case summary; termination order.

Common Questions
Who is Slobodan Milosevic?
Slobodan Milošević was a former Serbian and Yugoslav president. He faced charges at the ICTY but died before the tribunal reached a verdict.Source: ICTY
Why was Milosevic indicted while still in power?
The ICTY charged him with crimes against humanity and violations of the laws or customs of war in Kosovo. Holding presidential office did not prevent the indictment.Source: ICTY
Did Milosevic ever get convicted?
No verdict was reached in his ICTY trial. He died on 11 March 2006, and the tribunal terminated proceedings on 14 March.Source: ICTY
When did Milošević become Serbia's president?
He became President of Serbia's Presidency in May 1989 and won the presidency under the new constitution in December 1990. A starting date of 1991 is incorrect.Source: ICTY indictment, paragraphs 12 and 16
Source Material
Milošević case information sheetOrder terminating the proceedings, 14 March 2006Kosovo indictment: Slobodan Milošević

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.