Milosevic's witness compares U.N. court proceedings to 'satanic ritual'

A defense witness in former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic's war crimes trial in the Hague emotionally argued with judges Tuesday, saying the court's protocols reminded him of a "satanic ritual."

Radical Party leader Vojislav Seselj, who is awaiting his own trial before the U.N. Yugoslav tribunal for alleged atrocities committed during the Balkan wars, repeated earlier comments that the black and red robes worn by judges reminded him of the Catholic church's inquisitors in medieval times.

Seselj has been punished for courtroom antics in the past and received a two-month communications ban by the tribunal for revealing the name of a protected witness during an earlier appearance.

On Tuesday, he rejected all charges against him and Milosevic and repeatedly squabbled with the judges.

In Serbia, public interest in Milosevic's trial has declined dramatically in recent months, according to recent public opinion polls. But Seselj's testimony in the past several days has increased TV viewer ratings, the AP reports.