UN tribunal grants early release for Bosnian Serb convicted of war crimes

The United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) today granted the early release of a Bosnian Serb convicted for crimes against humanity committed at a detention camp in 1992.

Dragan Kolundzija was released from the ICTY's detention facility in The Hague, where he had been serving this three-year sentence. Mr. Kolundzija was convicted on 13 November after pleading guilty to crimes committed while a guard at the Keraterm detention facility in northwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As part of his sentencing, Mr. Kolundzija was given credit for two years, five months and six days as time already served; he filed a request for immediate release on the day of his conviction.

In the order granting release, ICTY President Judge Claude Jorda acknowledged the accused's willingness to reintegrate into society; his determination not to re-offend; his good physical and mental health; his exemplary behaviour during detention; his attachment to his family; and the possibility for him to find employment.

The order also took into consideration the guilty plea entered by Mr. Kolundzija, as well as the gravity of the crime.