The book written by the former Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the ICTY is an incredibly important record of absolutely unique value. The way Graham Blewitt ably led the establishment of the ICTY/OTP out of nothing, with much scepticism on both sides of the Atlantic, and many cynical obstacles both externally and internally within the UN, and with much effort by many different significant players to undermine the establishment and the operation of the new institution, is a testimony to his professionalism, tenacity, profound integrity and humanity. This record has no comparable example to my knowledge.

The legal and operational challenges of this new UN institution are described with incredible detail and of course with a lot of very personal touches, through the lens of an experienced legal professional who embarked on a journey which had no comparative example since the end of the Second World War. The whole saga about the Sisyphean efforts by Graham Blewitt, with others including the first three Chief Prosecutors, together with ICTY colleagues, to obtain the arrest of the first and then all ICTY indicted persons, confronted with all the obstacles on this path and all the lies and misleading promises the Office of the Prosecutor had to withstand, is of tremendous value and importance as an historical record. Some really thought the ICTY would fail and some thought no one, or no one significant, would be arrested.

Despite all obstacles, the operational machinery, professionalism and consistency Graham Blewitt, together with his colleagues had set up within the Office of the Prosecutor, worked during his tenure and long after he had to leave. All surviving persons indicted by the ICTY were arrested or surrendered. This was a 100% success ratio. An unparalleled outcome! And a great testament to his fundamental contribution.

An Essential Read In “Justice and War Crimes,” Graham Blewitt delivers a comprehensive and masterly penned account of the intricacies, developments, and chronicles of the Hague war crimes tribunal.

The book’s detail-oriented nature discloses facts and figures you would not stumble upon elsewhere, as well as personal insights on Goldstone, Arbour, and a thoroughly interesting review of Carla Del Ponte’s reign in chapter four.

Blewitt’s commendable writing style deserves mention. His ability to convey complex ideas and sequences of events with phenomenal clarity and coherence makes this book accessible to all, regardless of their prior knowledge of the subject.

Graham’s book makes a unique contribution to the understanding of the Hague war crimes tribunal. This feature makes it a must-read for those seeking insights into international law, peace enforcement ramifications, and human rights.

“Justice and War Crimes” by Graham Blewitt is an important piece of literature and documentation in war crimes and international justice studies and undoubtedly makes this book an essential reference tool in this field; an excellent read!

Graham Blewitt has done a tremendous service to, and for, the international criminal justice community and many others, in setting out a detailed, comprehensive and fast-reading account of the ICTY’s first ten years. 

It is especially noteworthy in setting out, once again, the ICTY Office of the Prosecutor’s successful efforts in the face of very substantial doubts and questions to the contrary.   Despite its many challenges, the ICTY has been and was a fully successful venture. 

Thank you Graham for this important contribution.  

“Graham, thank you for what you did. You have changed the world.”