Press Release (98)106 27 Sept. 1998

Statement by the Secretary General of NATO, Dr. Javier Solana, on SFOR's Action Against An Indicted War Criminal On 27 September 1998 SFOR detained Stevan Todorovic, indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for war crimes committed while serving as the Chief of Police for Bosanski Samac between 13 June 1992 and 29 July 1992. He is accused of wilful killing and murder, wilfully causing great suffering, cruel treatment, inhumane acts, inhumane treatment, rape and torture, violations of the laws or customs of war, grave breaches, and crimes against humanity. He is now being processed for transfer to The Hague. Details will be provided in due course by the operational commanders. This action was undertaken in accordance with SFOR's mandate which authorises it to detain such persons when encountered in the course of its duties. This mandate was given to SFOR by the North Atlantic Council under authority contained in the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. This action by SFOR serves as yet another warning to all those indicted for war crimes who are still at large that they will not escape justice. I advise them to surrender immediately to the ICTY. The parties to the Peace Agreement must also comply fully with their commitment to transfer indicted war criminals to the ICTY. SACEUR, as overall commander for SFOR, has kept me fully informed of this action. I should like to praise the SFOR troops and their commanders for their courage, professionalism and dedication in carrying out this action, which will contribute to the continued consolidation of the peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.