Radovan Karadzic Former President of the Bosnian Serb Republic Date of Birth: 19.06.1945

1. Early Life and Education
2. Political Career
3. Bosnian War and ICTY Indictment
4. Personal Life
5. Current Status
6. Legacy

Early Life and Education

Radovan Karadžić was born in Montenegro in 1945. Fifteen years later, his family moved to Sarajevo, Bosnia. In 1964, he commenced his studies at the University of Sarajevo, graduating with a degree in psychiatry in 1971.

Political Career

Karadžić's early political affiliation was with the League of Communists of Yugoslavia. However, his views shifted during the 1990s as ethnic tensions in Bosnia escalated.

Bosnian War and ICTY Indictment

In 1992, Karadžić emerged as the leader of the Republika Srpska, the self-proclaimed Serbian republic within Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the Bosnian War, he played a central role in the ethnic cleansing and atrocities committed against Muslim and Croat civilians.

In 1996, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) indicted Karadžić for genocide and crimes against humanity. He has since been on the run, evading capture for nearly a decade.

Personal Life

Karadžić is married to Ljiljana Zelen-Karadžić, a psychotherapist. They have a son and a daughter.

Current Status

In August 2022, reports surfaced that Karadžić had suffered a stroke. However, his brother, Luka, denied these claims, calling them a "provocation." The search for Karadžić by NATO-led stabilization forces and local police has been ongoing for several years, but without success.

Legacy

Despite the ICTY indictment, Karadžić remains a controversial figure among Serbs. Some view him as a hero who fought for their interests, while others condemn him for his role in the Bosnian War.