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Death Of "Butcher of Belgrade"

The United Nations in The Hague has confirmed that former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic, 64, is dead. An inquiry has been ordered into his death. He has been on trial for war crimes since 2001. He was found dead early Saturday morning in his cell in the tribunal`s detention center. At present time, it is believed he died from natural causes.

"Slobodan Milosevic was found lifeless on his bed in his cell at the United Nations detention unit," the UN tribunal released in a statement. "The guard immediately alerted the detention unit officer in command and the medical officer. The latter confirmed that Slobodan Milosevic was dead."

Milosevic suffered from a heart condition and high blood pressure, which had repeatedly interrupted his trial. The tribunal last month rejected a request by Milosevic to go to Russia for medical treatment, and since the "Butcher of Belgrade"`s death his family and the Russian Federation have blamed the UN Tribunal for it.