Croatian media react to Ratko Mladić's death: 'War criminal and butcher'

Following the announcement of Ratko Mladić's death, Croatian media have unequivocally condemned the former Bosnian Serb army commander, labeling him a "war criminal, butcher, and coward." The reports emphasize his conviction and life sentence for the most heinous crimes committed during the Bosnian War.

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War criminal, butcher, and coward

Croatian outlets like Jutarnji list and Večernji list detailed Mladić's military career, which they state was "paved with crimes." His involvement in the war in Croatia, where he commanded the Yugoslav People's Army's Ninth Corps in Knin in 1991, is highlighted. The media recount atrocities committed by his forces in Dalmatian hinterland areas, including massacres in Škabrnja and Nadin, and attacks on cities like Zadar and Šibenik.

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Ratko Mladić, the Bosnian butcher who never repented his crimes

Večernji list also referenced Mladić's plans for a final offensive during Operation Storm in 1995, noting his "Directive No. 8" which ordered an offensive aimed at reversing the war's outcome. Slobodna Dalmacija published his biography under the stark title, "Ratko Mladić died. Who was one of the greatest butchers? He handed out chocolates to children in Srebrenica, and then – the massacre."

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The war path of Ratko Mladić was paved with crimes

Index, described as Croatia's most-read tabloid, declared Mladić "the greatest monster of the 20th century." The publication also noted Serbian tabloids that allegedly glorify Mladić and claim he died due to medical negligence in The Hague. Mladić, the former commander of the Army of Republika Srpska, died at the age of 84.

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He handed out chocolates to children in Srebrenica, and then – the massacre.