Thousands Attend Funeral of Ratko Mladić, Convicted War Criminal
BBC Homepage
In a significant event, thousands gathered in Belgrade, Serbia, to bid farewell to Ratko Mladić, commonly known as the "Butcher of Bosnia". Mladić, who passed away at 84 while serving a life sentence in a Dutch prison, was buried amid controversial circumstances.
A Life of War and Controversy
Mladić commanded Bosnian Serb forces during the 1990s Bosnian war, overseeing acts of "ethnic cleansing" aimed at expelling non-Serbian populations. His role in the siege of Sarajevo resulted in over 10,000 deaths. Convicted of genocide by a UN tribunal for his part in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, where 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys were killed, he was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2021.
Controversial Funeral Arrangements
Initially, Serbian government ministers intended to grant Mladić a state funeral, but these plans faced opposition from European leaders who denounced any attempt to "glorify" him. The EU stated that Mladić's glorification contradicts fundamental European values. Despite his conviction, many Serbs view him as a hero and protector, particularly in the Bosnian Serb entity of Republika Srpska, where his death sparked vigils.
Funeral Proceedings
The funeral service, led by Patriarch Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church, took place at St Luka church. Long queues formed outside as people waited to pay their respects to the coffin, which was guarded by war veterans. The event featured a choir and candles, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Legacy and Reactions
Despite the international controversy surrounding his funeral, Mladić's name remains etched in the memories of many Serbian Orthodox people. However, his legacy is marked by the profound sorrow and division he left behind, symbolizing the complexities of post-war Europe.