Mladic Refuses to Enter Plea at War Crimes Tribunal

THE HAGUE — Ratko Mladic made his long-awaited appearance on Friday here before an international court that has accused him of genocide and multiple other atrocities and he quickly dismissed the charges read out to him as “obnoxious” and “monstrous.”

The former Bosnian Serb general, one of Europe’s most wanted men for almost 16 years, entered the court flanked by two guards who assisted him as he shuffled into court and helped him into his chair. At times he rubbed his face or flashed a mocking smile as he followed the proceedings.

Asked if he wanted to exercise his right to have the 37-page indictment read aloud in court, he said, “I do not want a single letter or sentence of that indictment read to me.” But the presiding judge, Alphons Orie of the Netherlands, proceeded to summarize the 11 counts against Mr. Mladic, a grave list recounting the assaults on civilians by troops under his command during the 1992-96 Bosnian war.

For years Mr. Mladic impressed followers and enemies, diplomats and reporters with his blunt and commanding presence, but the figure in the dock on Friday, dressed in a grey suit, shirt, and cap, seemed much diminished — the myth of the powerful warrior shrunk to a frail elderly man arrested in Serbia eight days ago.

On this day, Mr. Mladic seemed most interested in his health. A few moments after the 90-minute hearing began, he told the judge: “I am a gravely ill man. I need a bit more time. Please be patient with me.” Later, he had a long private exchange with the judge about his ailments, which may well affect the course of his trial.

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