Vojislav Šešelj, born in 1954 in Sarajevo, emerged as a prominent figure in the Serbian political landscape through his role as the founder and president of the Serbian Radical Party. His career spans diverse professional fields, including legal practice, academia, and military service, often marked by significant controversy and protracted engagement with international legal institutions during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.
Academic and Legal Background
Šešelj pursued an extensive academic path, attending the Faculty of Law at the University of Sarajevo from 1973 to 1976 before completing his studies at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Law between 1976 and 1979. He also undertook academic specialisation at the University of Greifswald in 1979. Holding a Doctor of Laws degree, he served as a university teacher and was associated with the University of Michigan. His intellectual output led to his membership in the Association of Writers of Serbia.
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His political activities solidified in the late 1990s when he served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia from 1998 to 2000. He later secured a seat in the National Assembly of Serbia. Throughout his career, he maintained a distinct political identity and gained recognition from state institutions, receiving the Order of the Republic of Serbia and the Order of the Star of Karađorđe.
Military and Legal Proceedings
Holding the military rank of voivode, Šešelj was involved in significant legal challenges regarding his actions during the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. Indicted on various counts including crimes against humanity, he spent nearly twelve years in detention. In 2018, the Appeals Chamber found him guilty of crimes against humanity for his involvement in the deportation of Croats from Hrtkovci, though he was acquitted of other major charges. Due to time already served in custody, he was not required to return to prison.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Sarajevo
- Citizenship: Serbia
- Academic degree: Doctor of Laws
- Military rank: voivode
- Languages: English, Russian, Serbian
- Political role: Founder, Serbian Radical Party
- Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia: 1998-2000
Questions readers ask
What is the educational background of Vojislav Šešelj?
He is a Doctor of Laws, having studied at the University of Sarajevo, the University of Belgrade Faculty of Law, and the University of Greifswald.
Did Šešelj serve in the Serbian government?
Yes, he served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia from 1998 to 2000 and was a member of the National Assembly of Serbia.
Achievements
- Affiliated with University of Michigan
- Educated at University of Belgrade Faculty of Law and University of Greifswald
- Worked as politician, university teacher and military personnel
