Rehabilitation Programmes for Convicted War Criminals in Domestic Prisons in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Case Study of Sarajevo Prison

Abstract

International as well as domestic criminal law and jurisprudence consider offender rehabilitation as one of the punishment goals. Rehabilitation, in that sense, strives to change attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of convicted criminals through programmes, which should result in adequate social (re-)integration. Still, rehabilitation, in relation to international crimes, is a disputed concept and very much understudied in practice: how and which rehabilitation programmes are being implemented to convicted war criminals? Based on an analysis of relevant laws, prison rules, and six interviews, this article empirically explores rehabilitation programmes for convicted war criminals in the Sarajevo prison. Further, it aims to critically analyse, review and discuss rehabilitation programmes for war criminals, or a lack thereof. Results indicate that rehabilitation programmes in Sarajevo prison are not tailored to war criminals. In conclusion, this case study suggests that specific programmes should be developed to rehabilitate and reintegrate war criminals in Bosnia and Herzegovina.