Ratko Mladić's Death Sparks Debate Over Balkan War Criminal Veneration
Ratko Mladić, infamously dubbed the 'Butcher of Bosnia', passed away while serving a life sentence in The Hague for genocide and crimes against humanity. His passing has sparked renewed conversations in the Western Balkans regarding the glorification of war criminals. Former Serbian president Boris Tadić criticized Mladić as a blemish on Serbia's image, contrasting with the more sympathetic views from contemporary leaders like Aleksandar Vučić and Nenad Vujić, who even suggested his release. Concurrently, a verdict for former Kosovo president Hashim Thaci is pending in The Hague, reflecting the region's struggle with ethnic nationalism and reconciliation efforts.
Key facts
- Ratko Mladić died in custody in The Hague while serving a life sentence for genocide and crimes against humanity.
- Serbia's former president Boris Tadić described Mladić as a 'stain' on Serbia.
- Aleksandar Vulin, a Serbian minister, called for a state funeral and day of mourning for Mladić.
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed sympathy for Mladić, questioning why he couldn't return home.
- Justice minister Nenad Vujić requested Mladić's release on humanitarian grounds.
- Croatia reburied remains of over 500 Nazi collaborators without acknowledging their crimes.
- Zagreb's airport is named after Franjo Tudjman, who would have faced war crimes charges had he lived.
- A court in The Hague will deliver a verdict in the trial of former Kosovo president Hashim Thaci in mid-September.
- Ethno-nationalist politicians in the Western Balkans are accused of perpetuating denial and division.
Entities
Institutions
- The Hague
- PDK party
- Monocle
- Serbian state broadcaster RTS
- The Hague tribunal
- United Nations
Locations
- Serbia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- The Hague
- Croatia
- Zagreb
- Kosovo
- Srebrenica
- Pilica
Sources
- Monocle —
- SCMP Culture —