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UN tribunal finds Serb military officer guilty of persecutions

UN tribunal finds Serb military officer guilty of persecutions

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The United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) has found a former Serb teacher turned military officer guilty of persecutions after he consented to a plea agreement.

The United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) has found a former Serb teacher turned military officer guilty of persecutions after he consented to a plea agreement.

A Tribunal trial chamber made its decision yesterday following a hearing on the deal, the terms of which call for Momir Nikolic to plead guilty to one count of persecutions on political, religious and racial grounds as a crime against humanity. In exchange, Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte would recommend a sentence of between 15 to 20 years in prison as well as the dismissal of any remaining charges.

The office of the Prosecutor said it would also recommend that Mr. Nikolic be given credit for the time he has served in ICTY custody, while his lawyers would recommend a sentence of 10 years.

The trial chamber said it was satisfied with the plea agreement and would set a time and date for sentencing hearing in due course.