Court Says Ratko Mladić Must Stay in Prison

May 14, 2026, 17:45
EuropeInternational

Introduction

A United Nations court said no to a request. Ratko Mladić cannot leave prison early. He is in prison for life because of war crimes.

Main Body

Mladić is 84 years old. His lawyers say he is very sick. They want him to go to a hospital in Serbia. The Serbian government wants to help him. Judge Graciela Gatti Santana says Mladić is sick. But she says the prison in The Hague is good. He can get the medical help he needs there. He can also see his family. Mladić led soldiers in Bosnia from 1992 to 1995. He killed many people. Over 100,000 people died. People who lost family say he is not really sick. They say he just wants to leave prison.

Conclusion

Ratko Mladić must stay in prison in The Hague.

Learning

⚡ The Power of 'CAN'

In this story, we see a word that tells us if something is possible or allowed.

The Word: can / cannot

How to use it: It is very simple. You don't need to change the word for different people. It stays the same for I, you, he, she, it, we, they.

Examples from the text:

  • Ratko Mladić cannot leave prison. →\rightarrow It is not allowed.
  • He can get medical help. →\rightarrow It is possible.
  • He can also see his family. →\rightarrow He has permission.

🛠️ Word Building: 'SICK'

Notice how the text uses this word to describe a person's health:

  • Very sick →\rightarrow (Strong/Bad health)
  • Not really sick →\rightarrow (Maybe pretending/Better health)

Pattern: Very + Adjective = More strength. Not really + Adjective = Less truth/strength.

Vocabulary Learning

court
a place where legal cases are heard
Example:The court decided to reject the request.
says
to speak or express
Example:She says she will come tomorrow.
must
required to do something
Example:You must finish your homework.
stay
remain in a place
Example:Please stay here until the meeting ends.
prison
a place where people are kept as punishment
Example:He was sent to prison for his crimes.
united
joined together
Example:The united team worked well.
nations
countries
Example:The nations met for a conference.
request
a polite demand
Example:He made a request for more information.
cannot
not able to
Example:I cannot go to the party.
leave
go away from
Example:They will leave early tomorrow.
early
before the usual time
Example:She arrived early for the meeting.
life
existence of a person or animal
Example:He values his life.
war
armed conflict between groups
Example:The war lasted for many years.
crimes
illegal acts
Example:The police investigated the crimes.
age
number of years a person has lived
Example:Her age is 84.
lawyers
people who practice law
Example:The lawyers argued in court.
sick
ill or not healthy
Example:He feels sick after the meal.
want
to desire something
Example:I want a cup of tea.
hospital
a place where sick people are treated
Example:She was admitted to the hospital.
help
to assist or support
Example:They will help the refugees.
judge
a person who decides cases in court
Example:The judge gave a fair verdict.
good
positive or desirable
Example:It was a good idea.
medical
related to medicine or doctors
Example:Medical records were kept.
needs
things that are required
Example:He has many needs.
family
relatives or people related by blood or marriage
Example:She visited her family.
led
guided or directed
Example:He led the team to victory.
soldiers
members of the armed forces
Example:The soldiers marched.
bosnia
a country in Europe
Example:Bosnia is in Europe.
killed
caused someone to die
Example:He killed the enemy.
many
a large number of
Example:Many people attended the concert.
people
human beings in general
Example:People enjoy music.
died
ceased to live
Example:He died in 1995.
lost
no longer have or find
Example:She lost her keys.
just
only or exactly
Example:He just left the room.