The first full re-trial in international criminal law history opens today in the case of The Prosecutor v taniši and Simatovi MICT -15-96. Both accused were acquitted following their first trial in 2013. Following an unusual route to a re-trial the Appeals Chamber in 2015 ordered a full re-trial on all counts. There has been extensive and novel pre-trial litigation on res udicator issues.
Both stand accused of their involvement in the war in the former ugoslavia, charged with crimes against humanity and violations of the Geneva Conventions. Catriona Murdoch as part of the defence team led by Wayne Jordash QC and Iain Edwards represent Jovica taniši ho was the former head of the Serbian State Security Service. Both accused have been brought back to The Hague for the first part of the trial, having had heir bail / provisional release escinded. The trial is expected to last for 2-3 years.
