Biljana Plavšić

Born:: July 7, 1930, Tuzla, Kingdom of Yugoslavia
Died:: October 7, 2024, Belgrade, Serbia
Nationality:: Bosnian Serb
Profession(s):: Biologist, University Professor, Politician

Early Life and Education

Graduated from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Zagreb.
Earned a doctorate in biology.
Specialized in plant virology.

Career and Major Achievements

Professor of Biology at the University of Sarajevo.
Became involved in politics during the breakup of Yugoslavia.
Served as one of two Vice-Presidents of Republika Srpska from 1992 to 1996.
Elected President of Republika Srpska in 1996, serving until 1998.
Known for initially advocating hard-line Serb nationalist policies, later expressing remorse and cooperating with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Notable Works

Authored numerous scientific publications in the field of plant virology.
Her political speeches and public statements during the Bosnian War were extensively documented.

Legal Proceedings and Conviction

Indicted by the ICTY on charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
Pleaded guilty to one count of persecution as a crime against humanity in 2003.
Sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Granted early release in 2009 after serving two-thirds of her sentence.

Legacy and Impact

Biljana Plavšić is a controversial figure due to her role during the Bosnian War and her subsequent conviction for war crimes. Examining 'biljana plavsic biography sample' and resources reveals the complexities of her life, from her academic background to her involvement in the conflict and her eventual admission of guilt.