Prosecutors claim his speeches inspired others to commit grievous acts. Christine Dahl, prosecutor for war crimes in Bosnia and Serbia, told the court that the actions of Seselj amount to raising a paramilitary army for the purpose of ethnic cleansing. “He indoctrinated them with his own poisonous ideas and sent them to the front lines … where they and others committed unspeakable crimes.” Dahl said he committed some of the most brutal soldiers to the effort at a Greater Serbia.
Seselj did not deny the charges of contributing nationalist rhetoric. Acting as his own defense, Seselj countered the charges, saying his actions do not constitute war crimes. Seselj is expected to give statements in Thursday's proceedings. He surrendered in February 2003, stating his intent to turn the tribunal into a circus. His trial began last November, but was immediately halted following a hunger strike.
He faces a life sentence if convicted on all charges.