Ep 4. The Trial Of Ratko Mladic

In season 38, episode 4 of Frontline titled "The Trial of Ratko Mladic," viewers are taken on a deep dive into the war crimes trial of one of the most notorious figures of the Bosnian War. Ratko Mladic, a former general of the Bosnian Serb forces, was accused of committing atrocities against Bosniak and Croat civilians during the conflict from 1992 to 1995. The episode explores the case's background, the trial's proceedings, and the wider context in which the trial took place.

The episode begins by setting the stage for the conflict itself, with interviews and archival footage explaining the political and social unrest that led to the disintegration of Yugoslavia and sparked the Bosnian War. As the viewer is introduced to the various players and factions involved, the focus eventually narrows onto Ratko Mladic himself. His background and leadership role in the Bosnian Serb army are explained, along with his alleged war crimes.

Mladic was accused of numerous atrocities over the course of the war, including the massacre of over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys in Srebrenica. The episode delves into the events leading up to and following the massacre, as well as the international response to what would become recognized as a genocide.

After years of evading justice, Mladic was eventually captured and brought to The Hague to stand trial in front of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The episode examines the challenges faced by the prosecution team, including difficulties in obtaining evidence and testimony from witnesses. These challenges were compounded by Mladic himself, who largely remained defiant and uncooperative throughout the proceedings.

Despite these obstacles, the trial went ahead, and the episode provides an in-depth look at the court proceedings themselves. Footage from inside the courtroom, as well as interviews with those involved, help to convey the gravity of the situation and the emotional impact it had on everyone involved.

Throughout the episode, the wider context of the trial is also explored. The role of politics, both domestic and international, is discussed, as are the challenges of trying a high-ranking military figure for war crimes. The episode raises important questions about the issue of accountability for war crimes and the role of international tribunals in addressing them.

Overall, season 38, episode 4 of Frontline presents a comprehensive and thought-provoking examination of the trial of Ratko Mladic. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews, and analysis, viewers are offered a unique perspective on one of the most significant war crimes trials of our time.