Ratko Mladic dies in UN detention at age 83

Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb military leader convicted of genocide during the 1992-1995 Bosnian War, died on Thursday at the age of 83 in a United Nations detention center in The Hague. Known as the "Butcher of Bosnia" for his role in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, Mladic had been suffering from deteriorating health, including multiple strokes, in recent months.

Prior to his death, both his family and the Serbian government had formally requested his release for medical treatment in Belgrade, but these appeals were rejected by the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. The court maintained that his health was stable and that he was receiving adequate medical care while in custody. The death has prompted criticism from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who accused the UN tribunal of "uncivilized behavior" for refusing the transfer.

As of now, the Serbian authorities are awaiting official communication from The Hague regarding the return of the deceased’s remains to Serbia. Serbian officials have indicated they are prepared to assist in the necessary arrangements, though no specific timeline for the transfer has been confirmed.