Mladic objects to prosecutors splitting indictment

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Genocide suspect Gen. Ratko Mladic says a plan by U.N. prosecutors to split his indictment so he can be tried first for his alleged role in the Srebrenica massacre would lead to an unfair trial.

Mladic’s lawyer Branko Lukic also says in a written response to the prosecution that the proposal to divide Mladic’s indictment is against the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal’s rules.

Prosecutors have asked judges to try the former Bosnian Serb military chief first for the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, in part because of fears that 69-year-old Mladic’s health could deteriorate. A second trial would cover other charges.

Lukic says in his response, released by the tribunal Thursday, that Mladic’s “weakened health” will hamper preparations for a swift Srebrenica trial.