Karadžić extradited to Hague Tribunal

THE HAGUE, BELGRADE -- The Hague Tribunal has confirmed that Radovan Karadžić has been extradited this morning.

A convoy of vehicles takes Karadžić to the airport in Belgrade (FoNet)

Hague spokesperson Nerma Jelačić confirmed that the former Bosnian Serb leader arrived to the prison unit in Scheveningen and was taken into custody.

Previously, the Justice Ministry in Belgrade issued the go-ahead for the extradition.

Before the decision was made, the Belgrade District Court confirmed that all of the necessary prerequisites were completed which were needed for transferring the Hague indictee to Holland, according to a statement from the government.

At 07:45 CET a helicopter landed in the yard, while another continued to fly over the prison unit. It was initially stated this morning that two jeeps with tinted windows entered the prison unit in Scheveningen at 07:07 CET and that it was believed that Karadžić was in one of the vehicles.



Karadžić left from the Belgrade airport some time around 04:00 CET and landed in Rotterdam at 06:30 CET.

Today, Hague officials confirmed for B92 that he will have his first appearance in court, before Judge Alphonse Orie, tomorrow at 16:00 CET.

Other details regarding the extradition are expected to be given by Hague Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz at a press conference at the Tribunal which has been scheduled for 11:00 CET.

Karadžić was arrested in Belgrade last week after 13 years in hiding. The Hague indictment against him includes charges of genocide.