Thousands Mourn Ratko Mladić in Serbia Amidst Controversy

Belgrade, Serbia – A significant number of people attended the funeral of Ratko Mladić, the military commander known as the “Butcher of Bosnia.” Mladić, who died at 84 while serving a life sentence for genocide, was found guilty by a UN war crimes tribunal for his role in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, Europe’s worst atrocity since World War Two.

The funeral procession saw crowds, including army veterans and individuals draped in flags bearing Mladić’s image, paying their respects. The Serbian Orthodox Church’s Patriarch Porfirije led the service, stating Mladić’s name would be “deeply etched in the memory and prayers of the majority of our Serbian Orthodox people.”

Initially, plans for a state funeral were altered following objections from European leaders, with the EU denouncing any “glorification of war criminals.” Serbia, an EU candidate country, faced criticism that such events contradict fundamental European values.

Mladić commanded Bosnian Serb forces during the 1992-1995 Bosnian War, leading campaigns of “ethnic cleansing” and the siege of Sarajevo. Despite his conviction for genocide, he remains a revered figure for many Serbs, who see him as a national defender.

Free bus services were organized to facilitate attendance from Bosnia and across Serbia. However, for victims and survivors, the funeral has reopened painful wounds. One woman from Sarajevo, whose son was killed by Mladić’s forces, described it as “horrible” that he was being promoted as a hero instead of being remembered solely as a “butcher.”

Experts suggest that Mladić’s continued standing as a figure of “national pride and defiance” is partly due to Serbian media and education systems not fully reflecting the scale of his crimes or the perspectives of victims. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges for post-conflict societies in confronting historical responsibilities.

Source: Nile Post