Doctors have found Slobodan Milosevic is at grave risk of heart trouble and needs rest, UN war crimes judges said today.
"The medical report showed the accused as a man with a severe cardiovascular risk," Judge Richard May told the Hague war crimes court, referring to a medical check ordered in June on the former Serbian strongman, who is on trial for genocide and crimes against humanity in the Balkans.
Judges said Milosevic (60) should have a further check-up by a cardiologist, based on which the court "will consider any option" available for the future of the trial.
Judge May said the medical report advised Milosevic should rest and be under constant observation by a cardiologist.
But Milosevic told the court: "I never demanded any medical check-up. . . . You should not harbour any illusion that I'm asking for anything".
"Your health is of a paramount concern for the trial chamber," Judge Patrick Robinson told Milosevic.
The trial has been adjourned several times because of Milosevic's health problems. It was last suspended in mid-July after the tribunal said he needed treatment for high blood pressure. Milosevic has also fallen ill with flu twice since his trial began.