Milosevic indicted for murder of political rival

Serbia: Serbia's special prosecutor has indicted former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic on charges of masterminding the…

Serbia: Serbia's special prosecutor has indicted former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic on charges of masterminding the murder of a political opponent and an attempt on the life of another.

In a statement quoted by local media, special prosecutor Jovan Prijic said Mr Milosevic had "created among the perpetrators of the crime the decision to commit both crimes".

Mr Milosevic (62) is standing trial in the Hague on charges of genocide and war crimes.

Serbian state television said last Friday that Mr Milosevic would be charged with complicity in the murder of ally-turned-foe Ivan Stambolic and with an attempt to kill opposition leader Vuk Draskovic.

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The indictment was also issued against former commander of Special Operations Unit (JSO) Milorad Ulemek Legija, former State Security chief Radomir Markovic, former Yugoslav Army Chief of Staff Nebojsa Pavkovic and former JSO security adviser Milorad Bracanovic.

Mr Prijic said in his statement that the indictment would be submitted to a special court. Serbia established the special court in March, after the assassination of prime minister Zoran Djindjic.

Serbian police first filed charges against Mr Milosevic last April for plotting the murder of Mr Stambolic, a former Serbian president who disappeared while jogging in a Belgrade park in August 2000.

Mr Stambolic's remains were found in a hilly region only days after Mr Djindjic's murder.

Police investigators said Mr Stambolic had been kidnapped and executed by five members of the JSO, a war-hardened police force set up under Mr Milosevic and disbanded after the slaying of Mr Djindjic. - (Reuters)