Last week it was reported that, over eight years after his death, the EU had lifted financial sanctions imposed against former Yugoslavian President Slobodan Milošević, his family and political associates.
Milosevic faced charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity for his alleged central role in the wars in Bosnia, Croatia, and Kosovo during the 1990s. He also faced genocide charges over the 1992-95 war in Bosnia, in which 100,000 people died. He was found dead in his cell at The Hague tribunal on 11 March 2006.
The EU had previously imposed extensive financial sanctions against Yugoslavia. These broader sanctions were lifted in 2000 leaving only the sanctions against Milošević, his family and political associates in place.
The EU Decision and Regulation repealing the sanctions, dated 28 October 2014, indicate that the Council of the EU repealed the sanctions as Milošević and his associates, “no longer represent a threat to the consolidation of democracy”. As a result of the Council of the EU’s decision the UK in turn repealed its domestic sanctions against Milošević on 29 October 2014.
Financial sanctions are an increasingly common tool of global foreign policy and this case illustrates the long lasting effect of such sanctions. Sanctions will often be imposed on an indefinite basis subject to review. Gherson has experience in dealing with this complex area of law and in assisting individuals who find themselves subject to financial sanctions in challenging their designation in the courts of the European Union.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2014