Initial Appearance -  Šainović, Nikola (Šainović et al.) - 3 May 2002.
Channel: International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)
Date: 25/05/2012

Nikola Sainovic, born on 7 December 1948 in Bor, Serbia, is charged in an amended Indictment, confirmed on 29 October 2001. It alleges that, between 1 January 1999 and 20 June 1999, forces of the FRY and Serbia acting at the direction, with the encouragement, or with the support of the four accused, Nikola Sainovic, Milan Milutinovic, Vlajko Stojiljkovic and Dragoljub Ojdanic, executed a campaign of terror and violence directed at Kosovo Albanian civilians. At all times relevant to this Indictment, Nikola Sainovic held the post of Deputy Prime Minister of the FRY. According to the Indictment, he took an active role in negotiations establishing the OSCE Verification Mission for Kosovo, and he participated in numerous other meetings regarding the Kosovo crisis. At all times relevant to the Indictment, Nikola Sainovic acted as the liaison between Slobodan Milosevic and various Kosovo Albanian leaders.

It is alleged that the operations targeting the Kosovo Albanians were undertaken with the objective of expelling a substantial portion of the Kosovo Albanian population from Kosovo in an effort to ensure continued Serbian control over the province. The Indictment describes a series of well-planned and coordinated operations undertaken by the forces of the FRY and Serbia.

Approximately 800,000 Kosovo Albanian civilians were expelled from the province by their forced removal and subsequent looting and destruction of their homes, or by the shelling of villages. Surviving residents were sent to the borders of neighbouring countries. En route, many were killed, abused and had their possessions and identification papers stolen. Furthermore, specific massacres allegedly committed by Serb forces in places such as Dakovica/Gjakovë, Suva Reka/Suharekë, Racak/Reçak, Bela Crkva/Bellacërke, Mala Krusa/Krushë e Vogël, Velika Krusa/Krushë e Madhe, Padaliste/Padalishtë, Izbica/Izbicë, Vucitrn/Vushtrri, Dubrava/Dubravë Prison complex, Meja/Mejë and Kacanik/Kacanik are listed in the Indictment.

Sainovic 3-5-2002-ENG.mp4