Defense lawyers for Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb military commander known as the "Butcher of Bosnia," have requested his immediate release from prison due to his deteriorating health condition.

Mladic, 84, is currently serving a life sentence at The Hague after being convicted of genocide and other war crimes. His attorneys argue that his advanced age and poor health, including reports that he has suffered a stroke, warrant his release from custody.

The former military leader was found guilty of orchestrating atrocities during the 1992-1996 Bosnian War, including the massacre of approximately 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica in 1995. He was also convicted for his role in the siege of Sarajevo and other war crimes.

Mladic was arrested in 2011 after years as a fugitive and has been imprisoned for approximately 15 years including his time in detention during trial proceedings. His conviction was upheld by appeals courts.

The request for release comes as the former commander's health has reportedly declined significantly while in custody. His legal team contends that his current medical condition makes continued imprisonment inappropriate.

International war crimes tribunals have previously considered health-related release requests for elderly defendants, though such appeals face significant legal and political obstacles given the severity of the crimes involved.