Updated

The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal is considering temporarily releasing an ailing Serb ultranationalist who is awaiting verdicts in his trial for allegedly using hate-laced speeches to incite atrocities in Bosnia and Croatia.

Serbian doctors who visited Vojislav Seselj recently say he is suffering from colon cancer that has spread to his liver. The United Nations court has not released details of Seselj's health.

In a filing released Wednesday, the presiding judge in Seselj's long-running trial says that "to avoid the worst-case scenario, the Chamber is examining the possibility of provisional release that would allow the Accused to receive treatment in the most suitable environment."

The 60-year-old Seselj has been in custody in The Hague since surrendering to the tribunal in 2003. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.