Serb leader's trial a new test for Hague

THE HAGUE, Netherlands, July 24 (UPI) -- The trial of Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic for crimes against humanity could offer a major test for the international court, observers say.

Former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic, the last big-name defendant at The Hague tribunal, seemed to be in control of his own trial at times, turning the affair into a free-wheeling political forum, The Washington Post said Thursday. Milosevic died of heart disease during his trial.

It was seen as a public relations disaster for the U.N.-affiliated court.

An announcement from Karadzic's lawyer that the former Serb leader will represent himself suggested he hopes to follow suit, the Post said.