July 31, 2008	Thursday	Rajab 27, 1429

GENOCIDE suspect Radovan Karadzic, who was transferred to the UN detention centre on Wednesday, faces several legal steps before his trial begins. Among those steps are:

— Karadzic will be brought before a judge for his initial appearance on Thursday. Judge Alphons Orie will ask Karadzic if he understands the charges against him and whether he wants the indictment read to him in full.

— Karadzic will be given the option of naming a defence lawyer or accepting a court-appointed attorney and financial aid, if necessary. He may say he intends to defend himself, which would have to be approved by the three judges who try the case.

— Judge Orie will conclude by asking Karadzic to stand and plead “guilty or not guilty” to each of the 11 counts.

— Karadzic may delay his plea by up to 30 days. If he refuses after that period to enter a plea, the judge will enter a plea of “not guilty” on his behalf.

— The prosecution and defence will have several months to prepare the case. Prosecutors may amend their 2000 indictment.

— The judges will call periodic “status hearings” to determine a trial date.—AP