War Crimes Suspect Milenko Maric Snared in Derby
An international arrest warrant for Milenko Maric was issued back in 2001 over shocking ‘crimes against humanity’ by Croatian prosecutors. The 63-year-old, who had been quietly living in Normanton, Derby, was finally arrested but allowed to stay in the UK pending a lengthy trial and appeal in Croatia.
Sinister Past in the Balkans
Maric, a former member of the Secretariat for International Affairs of Manastir, faced serious charges. He allegedly forced civilians of non-Serbian ethnic origin out of the Baranya region and assaulted them between August and September 1991 – dark deeds amid the Balkans conflict.
Extradition Battle Ends
In September 2022, Westminster Magistrates’ Court ordered Maric’s extradition. He was tagged electronically and restricted to Derbyshire or Leicestershire while waiting for a formal extradition date.
On Wednesday 5 April, the fugitive was finally flown to Croatia to face justice.
Police Vow to Keep Derby Safe
Temporary Sergeant Sarah Baker from the International Liaison Unit said: “We continue to 1 with law enforcement partners nationally and internationally to remove dangerous offenders, and ensure people are brought to justice.
“This forms part of our commitment to ensuring Derbyshire is a safe place, and not somewhere to go where you can evade the consequences of your previous actions in other parts of the world.”
