A commemoration ceremony took place in Belgrade on Saturday to honor Ratko Mladic, the convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal who died recently. The event served as a final tribute before his scheduled burial on Monday.
Dozens of attendees were present at the gathering, including former military personnel, government officials, and members of Mladic’s family. The presence of these figures underscored the continued political and social significance attached to the former general within certain circles in Serbia.
Mladic was historically condemned for his role in the Bosnian War, particularly for his involvement in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, where nearly 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed. He was convicted of genocide and other war crimes by international tribunals, cementing his status as a polarizing figure in the region.
The timing of the memorial, held just two days prior to his interment, has drawn attention to the ongoing debates surrounding the remembrance of wartime figures in the Balkans.
It’s sad but not surprising. The region is still deeply divided on how to remember the 90s wars, and symbols like this fuel the fire.
I’m shocked by the presence of government figures at a genocide convict’s memorial. Is this really how Serbia wants to be seen globally?
Why are Serbian officials attending? It sends a terrible message that Serbia still hasn’t fully confronted its past crimes.
This is disgusting. Honoring a convicted genocidaire reopens old wounds for thousands of victims’ families across the Balkans.