Milošević's Heart Condition - 2002-07-25

Doctors say Slobodan Milošević, the former president of Yugoslavia, is at serious risk of a heart attack and needs rest. The judge in Mr. Milošević's case at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague stated today that a medical report concerning Mr. Milošević indicates he is facing severe coronary artery issues and must be under the supervision of a cardiologist and in special care. The court has suggested that Mr. Milošević, who is defending himself, choose a lawyer to reduce his workload. The former president of Yugoslavia is facing 60 charges, including genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes related to the Balkan wars of the 1990s. The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to expel James Traficant, a Democratic representative from Ohio, on charges of ethical violations. The expulsion motion was passed late Wednesday with 420 votes in favor and one against. This is the second time since 1865 that the House has expelled one of its members. An Ohio court had charged Traficant in April with bribery, extortion, and tax evasion. His sentence, which will be announced next week, is expected to exceed 7 years in prison. Before the House vote, he declared himself innocent but stated he is ready to go to prison, claiming his legal troubles are the result of a government conspiracy.