**‘Butcher of Bosnia’ to be Given State Funeral in Serbia**
Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb military commander convicted of genocide for his role in the Srebrenica massacre, is set to receive a state funeral in Serbia. Serbian Justice Minister Nenad Vujic announced on Friday that Mladic would be buried “with the military and state honours he deserves.” Mladic passed away in The Hague, where he was serving a life sentence for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. He had been seriously ill for several months prior to his death.
Vujic stated that Serbian officials are currently waiting for information from authorities in The Hague regarding the timeline for the transfer of Mladic’s remains. His death follows a recent rejection by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia of a request from both Mladic’s family and the Serbian government to transfer him to a military hospital in Belgrade for treatment.
Mladic was a key figure during the Bosnian War, which lasted from 1992 to 1995 and resulted in the deaths of approximately 100,000 individuals and the displacement of around 2.2 million people. He is infamously known for orchestrating the massacre of 8,000 Bosnian Muslims in Srebrenica, an act recognized as the worst atrocity in Europe since World War II. This massacre occurred in a UN-designated safe area, highlighting the tragic failure of international protections during the conflict.
The announcement of a state funeral has reignited tensions and deep-seated grievances stemming from the war. In Bosnia, politicians and representatives from victims’ organizations have voiced strong opposition to any official glorification of Mladic, arguing that it disrespects the memories of those who suffered and undermines the rulings of international courts. Emir Suljagic, head of the Srebrenica Memorial, emphasized that Mladic’s death does not alter the historical record or the existence of mass graves resulting from his actions.
The decision to honor Mladic with a state funeral has also sparked division within Serbia. Marinika Tepic of the Freedom and Justice Party pointed out that Mladic was convicted of grave war crimes, while the Democratic Party reiterated that his death cannot change the facts established by international courts.
In contrast, Mladic’s legacy is viewed differently in Republika Srpska, where public memorial events have been held in his honor, and candles have been lit in remembrance. This divergence in perspectives illustrates the ongoing complexities and unresolved issues surrounding the legacy of the Yugoslav Wars.
International reactions to Mladic’s death have varied. Croatia’s Defence Minister Ivan Anusic expressed concerns regarding Serbia’s military buildup, linking it to the historical context of the 1990s conflicts. He noted that Croatia had informed its NATO allies about its apprehensions regarding Belgrade’s rearmament efforts. Meanwhile, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu offered condolences to Mladic’s family, labeling his conviction as unjust and criticizing the conditions of his detention as inhumane.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic adopted a more cautious stance regarding the funeral arrangements. He stated that if Mladic’s family wishes for him to be buried in Serbia, the state would ensure that the arrangements are handled “in a dignified manner.” Vucic also dismissed some media reports about the funeral as “journalistic speculation,” indicating a desire to manage the situation carefully.
Reports suggest that Mladic expressed a wish to be buried in Belgrade’s Topcider cemetery, alongside his daughter Ana, who passed away in 1994. As Serbia prepares for the funeral, the event is likely to evoke strong emotions and reactions, reflecting the ongoing impact of the war on the region’s collective memory and identity.
The implications of Mladic’s state funeral extend beyond mere ceremonial observance; they touch upon the broader themes of reconciliation, justice, and memory in a society still grappling with the consequences of its past.