Judges at the war crimes trial of Slobodan Milosevic have today imposed defence counsel on the former Yugoslav president.
Mr Milosevic branded the decision a "scandal" after the Dutch court made the decision to avoid further delays in the trial caused by the former leader's ill health.
Mr Milosevic finished his opening defence statement against charges of ethnic cleansing in the Balkans yesterday - months later than planned because of repeated delays due to his heart condition and high blood pressure.
"It is plain from the medical reports that the accused is not fit enough to defend himself," presiding judge Patrick Robinson said. The trial would face further delays if Mr Milosevic continued to conduct his own defence, he said.
Prosecutors wanted judges to impose a defence counsel to make sure the trial is completed. But Mr Milosevic, who does not recognise the court and has dismissed the charges against him as lies, has defended himself since the trial opened in 2002.
"You can not deny me the right to defend myself," he said.
"I want the appeals chamber to consider this decision of yours, which is illegal, which violates international law and which violates every conceivable covenant on human rights," Mr Milosevic said.
The judges have yet to decide how the decision to assign a defence lawyer will be implemented.
Milosevic is charged with genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s. He declined to plead to the charges and not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf.
PA