January 2003
The Office of the High Representative in Bosnia (OHR) and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) issue a set of joint conclusions recommending the creation of a specialized chamber to try war crimes cases within the State Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
|
August 2003
The UN Security Council passes Resolution 1503, which, among other things, calls on the donor community to support the work of Bosnia’s high representative in creating a specialized chamber within Bosnia’s State Court to address allegations of serious violations of international humanitarian law.
January 2005
The War Crimes Chamber is created within Bosnia’s State Court.
March 2005
The War Crimes Chamber officially begins operations.
July 2005
The War Crimes Chamber issues its first verdict.
September 2005
The ICTY transfers its first case to the War Crimes Chamber. The defendant, Radovan Stankovic, was accused of having committed, incited, aided and abetted the enslavement, torture, rape, and killing of non-Serb civilians. On November 14, 2006, the court pronounced the first instance verdict and found the accused guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced him to 16 years' imprisonment. The case is currently under appeal.
Key statistics
• Number of ongoing trials: 9
• Total number of verdicts to date: 9, 3 of which have been confirmed on appeal
• Number of ICTY cases transferred to the War Crimes Chamber for trial to date: 5 (involving 9 accused)
