(ANSA-AP) - THE HAGUE, 19 MAR - Nearly a quarter of a century since Bosnia's devastating war ended, former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic is set to hear the final judgment on whether he can be held criminally responsible for unleashing a wave of murder and destruction. United Nations appeals judges will on Wednesday rule whether to uphold or overturn Karadzic's 2016 convictions for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, as well as his 40-year sentence. They will also rule on an appeal by prosecutors agains this acquittal on a second count of genocide during Bosnia's war, Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War II. The appeals judgment comes at a time when the global project to hold leaders accountable for crimes is under pressure - last week, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington will revoke or deny visas to International Criminal Court personnel seeking to investigate alleged abuses committed by U.S. forces i n Afghanistan or elsewhere, and may do the same with those who seek action against Israel.

Bosnian Serb wartime military commander Ratko Mladic is also awaiting an appeal judgment of his genocide and war crimes conviction, which earned him a life sentence. (ANSA-AP).