Thousands Attend Belgrade Funeral for Convicted War Criminal Ratko Mladic

A Ceremony Marked by Contradiction and Controversy

Thousands gathered in Belgrade on Saturday to attend the funeral of Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb army general convicted of genocide and war crimes for his role in the Srebrenica massacre. The ceremony took place at the New Cemetery in Belgrade, where Mladic was laid to rest following his death in prison last year. Despite his conviction by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, many in Serbia viewed him as a defender of Serb interests during the Bosnian War. The funeral drew a mix of mourners, nationalist supporters, and ordinary citizens, reflecting deep divisions over his legacy. Serbian officials did not attend the service, but representatives from the Serbian Orthodox Church conducted the rites. Mladic’s burial has reignited debate over how Serbia confronts its wartime past and the enduring influence of nationalist narratives.

The funeral proceedings highlighted the stark contrast between international judgments and domestic perceptions of Mladic. While the UN tribunal found him guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity, and violations of the laws of war—including the 1995 Srebrenica massacre that killed over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys—many speakers at the service praised him as a patriot. Footage from the event showed attendees carrying Serbian flags and photographs of Mladic in military uniform. Some chanted slogans supportive of Republika Srpska, the Serb-majority entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Human rights groups criticized the glorification of a convicted war criminal, warning it undermines reconciliation efforts in the region. The Serbian government maintained a neutral stance, emphasizing respect for burial traditions while not endorsing the political symbolism displayed.

How Does This Affect Regional Reconciliation Efforts?

The burial has raised concerns among Bosniak communities and international observers about the persistence of denialist narratives in Serbia. Leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina expressed disappointment, stating that honoring figures convicted of genocide impedes trust-building and accountability. The Office of the High Representative in Sarajevo reiterated that such actions contradict the principles of the Dayton Peace Agreement. Meanwhile, Serbian officials continue to reject the legitimacy of the ICTY verdicts, framing them as politically motivated. Analysts warn that public commemorations like Mladic’s funeral may embolden extremist elements and hinder progress toward EU integration for Western Balkan states. The event underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing historical trauma in a region where wartime loyalties still shape political identities.

Why was Ratko Mladic buried in Serbia despite his crimes? Mladic was born in Bosnia but spent much of his later life in Serbia, where he had family and supporters. Serbian authorities permitted the burial in Belgrade in accordance with religious and civic traditions, even though he was convicted by an international tribunal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Serbian government officially endorse the funeral? No, Serbian state officials did not attend or formally endorse the ceremony. However, the absence of a government condemnation and the presence of nationalist symbols led critics to argue that the event received tacit tolerance.

What was Ratko Mladic convicted of? He was found guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, including orchestrating the Srebrenica massacre, the siege of Sarajevo, and the persecution of non-Serb populations during the Bosnian War.