Karadzic trial

We are told that the trial of ex- Serbian leader Radovan Karadzic, charged with genocide, can now continue because he has "lifted his boycott" after three months and kindly offered to turn up (your report, 1 March).

Criminals' rights taking precedence over victims' rights is a very emotive subject in this country, but has the European court also become so soft on crime that it is now the choice of the accused as to whether or not his trial takes place?

WALTER J ALLAN

Colinton Mains Drive

Edinburgh