[an error occurred while processing this directive]
BBC News
watch One-Minute World News
Last Updated: Saturday, 11 March 2006, 21:54 GMT
Life in pictures: Slobodan Milosevic

Slobodan Milosevic (centre) in Kosovo in 1987

Slobodan Milosevic's meteoric rise to power began in 1987, when he used the Kosovo issue to rally Serbian nationalists.

Slobodan Milosevic

Suddenly popular, he turned on his friend and political mentor, Serbian President Ivan Stambolic, forcing him from office.

Slobodan Milosevic in the Serbian national assembly

Once Stambolic had resigned, Slobodan Milosevic held the reins of power in Serbia.

Slobodan Milosevic

He officially became Serbian president in 1989, in elections widely regarded as rigged. He abolished Kosovo's autonomy the same year.

Slobodan Milosevic lights a cigar in his Belgrade office. File photo

Slovenia and Croatia declared independence in 1991. Mr Milosevic encouraged Croatian Serbs to rise up, then sent in troops. The Bosnian war started soon afterwards.

Dayton peace talks

In 1995, the Serbs were driven out of Croatia. Mr Milosevic agreed to a Bosnian peace deal at talks in Dayton, Ohio.

Slobodan Milosevic and wife Mira Markovic

In 1997, he became President of Yugoslavia, backed by his strong-willed wife, Mira Markovic. The next year he sent troops into Kosovo, prompting Nato air strikes.

Crowds outside the federal parliament, Belgrade

Mr Milosevic's downfall began in 2000. He lost an election but refused to concede defeat, and was driven from office.

Mr Milosevic arriving at The Hague.

Eight months later he was transferred to the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague.

Slobodan Milosevic at The Hague Tribunal. Photo: 2003

He was tried for crimes against humanity and genocide, but remained defiant, refusing to recognise the court's legitimacy.





PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific