UN Court Rejects Request for Early Release of Ratko Mladić

May 14, 2026, 17:45
EuropeInternational

Introduction

A United Nations court has turned down a request for the early release of Ratko Mladić, who is serving a life sentence for war crimes.

Main Body

The court's decision follows a request from Mladić's lawyers, who argued that the 84-year-old's health is failing rapidly. They claimed that he has suffered a suspected stroke and cannot move, meaning he should be moved to a medical facility in Serbia. The Serbian government supported this request and offered to provide the necessary guarantees to make the transfer possible. However, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana acknowledged that Mladić's health is poor but stated that the medical facilities in The Hague are good enough to keep him comfortable. The court concluded that there are no medical treatments available outside the Netherlands that he cannot already receive. Furthermore, the judge emphasized that current rules allow him to have frequent visits from his family. Mladić was imprisoned for leading Bosnian Serb forces between 1992 and 1995. He was convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity for his role in the Srebrenica massacre and the siege of Sarajevo, which resulted in over 100,000 deaths. Consequently, groups representing the victims have argued that this request for release is a legal tactic rather than a real medical emergency.

Conclusion

Ratko Mladić will remain in prison in The Hague after the court refused to grant his conditional release.

Learning

🚀 The 'Logic Leap': Moving from Basic to Complex Sentences

At an A2 level, you usually say: "He is sick. The court said no." At a B2 level, you connect these ideas to show cause, contrast, and result. This article is a goldmine for this transition.

⚡ The "Connector" Upgrade

Look at how the text transforms simple facts into professional arguments using these specific words:

  • Consequently →\rightarrow Use this instead of "So".

    • A2: He is a war criminal, so the victims are angry.
    • B2: He was convicted of genocide; consequently, groups representing the victims argued against his release.

  • Furthermore →\rightarrow Use this instead of "Also".

    • A2: The hospital is good. He can see his family.
    • B2: The facilities are sufficient; furthermore, the judge emphasized that he can have frequent visits.

  • However →\rightarrow Use this instead of "But".

    • A2: He is sick, but he stays in prison.
    • B2: His health is poor; however, the judge stated the facilities in The Hague are good enough.

🛠️ Practical Shift: The 'Passive' Power

B2 speakers stop focusing on who did the action and focus on the result to sound more objective.

Compare these two styles:

  1. A2 (Active): "The court imprisoned Mladić." (Simple, direct).
  2. B2 (Passive): "Mladić was imprisoned for leading Bosnian Serb forces." (Focuses on the person and the legal status).

Why this matters for you: When you write reports or formal emails, using "was [verb]ed" makes you sound more academic and professional.

🔍 Vocabulary Expansion: 'State of Being'

Stop using "bad" or "sick". Use these B2-level descriptions found in the text:

  • Failing rapidly (instead of getting worse fast)
  • Sufficient/Good enough (instead of okay)
  • Convicted of (instead of found guilty of)

Vocabulary Learning

war crimes
Serious violations of the laws of war that are punishable under international law.
Example:The tribunal charged the commander with war crimes for the atrocities committed during the conflict.
life sentence
A prison sentence that lasts for the duration of the convict's natural life.
Example:After being found guilty, he received a life sentence and will spend the rest of his life in prison.
failing
Becoming weaker or less effective; deteriorating.
Example:The old bridge is failing and needs urgent repairs.
rapidly
Quickly or at a fast pace.
Example:The disease spread rapidly through the community.
suspected
Believed or thought to be true but not yet proven.
Example:The police investigated a suspected burglary.
stroke
A sudden medical condition caused by a blockage or rupture in a blood vessel of the brain.
Example:He was rushed to the hospital after a stroke left him partially paralyzed.
medical facility
A building or institution where medical care is provided.
Example:The patient was transferred to a medical facility for specialized treatment.
guarantees
Promises or assurances that something will happen or be true.
Example:The contract includes guarantees that the product will be delivered on time.
transfer
The act of moving someone or something from one place to another.
Example:The prisoner was transferred to a higher-security prison.
acknowledged
Accepted or recognized as true or valid.
Example:She acknowledged that she had made a mistake.
concluded
Determined or decided after consideration.
Example:The committee concluded that the proposal was feasible.
frequent
Occurring often or many times.
Example:He made frequent trips to the city for work.
imprisoned
Placed in prison or jail.
Example:The suspect was imprisoned pending trial.
genocide
The deliberate and systematic destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
Example:The report documented evidence of genocide against the minority population.
massacre
A violent killing of many people, especially civilians.
Example:The massacre shocked the nation and prompted international intervention.
siege
A military operation in which forces surround a place to compel surrender.
Example:The city endured a long siege that caused severe shortages.
resulted
Came to be as a consequence or outcome.
Example:The new policy resulted in higher productivity.
consequently
As a result; therefore.
Example:He missed the deadline; consequently, he was penalized.
representing
Acting on behalf of or symbolizing.
Example:The lawyer is representing the victims in court.
victims
People who have suffered harm or loss.
Example:The victims shared their stories with the media.
legal tactic
A strategy used to achieve a legal advantage.
Example:Filing a motion was a clever legal tactic to delay the hearing.
emergency
A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
Example:The emergency department was overwhelmed with patients after the accident.
conditional release
Release from prison under specific conditions that must be met.
Example:He will be granted conditional release if he completes the rehabilitation program.