Slobodan Milošević, former President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, faced trial at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague, Netherlands. The trial began on February 12, 2002, and drew significant international attention as it marked a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for war crimes committed during the turbulent years of the Yugoslav Wars. Milošević was charged with multiple counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the violent conflicts involving various ethnic groups within the former Yugoslavia, particularly in Bosnia, Croatia, and Kosovo.

Milošević's trial was groundbreaking in that he was the first former head of state to be tried for such offenses by an international tribunal. The proceedings were closely followed around the world, not only for the implications regarding Milošević and his regime but also for the ramifications on international law and the principles of accountability. The courtroom became a venue for the delivery of testimonies from numerous witnesses and victims, detailing severe human rights violations including ethnic cleansing and mass atrocities.

Despite being a contentious figure, Milošević utilized the trial as a platform to present his own narrative, often engaging in lengthy monologues to counter the charges against him. His defense strategy was multifaceted, including claims that he was acting to maintain peace and that the tribunal was politically motivated. However, the trial faced numerous challenges, including issues of jurisdiction, health problems faced by Milošević, and the complexities of gathering credible evidence from a turbulent past.

Milošević passed away in 2006, before the trial concluded, leaving many questions regarding the accountability of leaders for actions taken during conflict unresolved. His death not only halted the legal proceedings against him but also sparked discussions about the effectiveness of international justice.