Karadzic a no-show at his genocide trial

THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic didn't attend the start of his genocide trial Monday at The Hague, Netherlands, prompting an adjournment.

The prosecution argued to the four-judge tribune that it must impose legal council for the defense so Karadzic -- who is representing himself -- doesn't dictate the flow of the trial, The Times of London reported.

Karadzic, 64, is accused of two counts of genocide and nine charges of war crimes in the violent ethnic war in Bosnia from 1992-1995. In custody since July 2008, he said he needs at least nine more months to prepare for case.

"In light of the absence of the accused and of counsel to represent him, the chamber will adjourn these proceedings today until ... tomorrow," said Chief Judge O-Gon Kwon. "We request Mr. Karadzic to attend so that his trial is not further obstructed."

The judges have several options if Karadzic doesn't attend the hearing, including appointing legal representatives for him, physically forcing Karadzic's appearance, or giving him more time to prepare his case.

Kwon read a letter from Karadzic to the court in which he said that he would not boycott the trial, but needed months more to prepare what he believes would be an adequate defense, The Times reported.

Prosecutor Hildegard Uertz-Retzlaff urged the tribunal to appoint a lawyer for Karadzic so that the case could proceed.

"This trial chamber is faced with two choices -- allowing the accused to continue to absent himself and therefore frustrate these proceedings or to assign counsel," Uertz-Retzlaff said. "The accused having exhausted his legal remedies now wants to dictate the course of the trial through other means."