Former Srebrenica Mayor on Mladic's Death: 'What is there to celebrate? An 85-year-old grandfather died. Serbian authorities should distance themselves.'

Camil Duraković, former mayor of Srebrenica and current vice-president of Republika Srpska, has stated that the death of Ratko Mladić, the convicted war criminal, should not be a cause for celebration.

Mladić, a general in the Army of Republika Srpska, was sentenced for war crimes committed during the 1990s war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Duraković emphasized that Mladić's passing at the age of 85 is a biological process and does not erase the suffering of thousands of victims. "What is there to celebrate?! An 85-year-old grandfather died, and that is a fact, that is a biological process. So, that will not bring back the past," Duraković stated.

“

What is there to celebrate?! An 85-year-old grandfather died, and that is a fact, that is a biological process. So, that will not bring back the past.

He urged Serbian authorities to use this moment to distance themselves from individuals like Mladić, warning against glorifying such figures and encouraging future generations to reject extremism. Duraković expressed concern that political entities, particularly in the lead-up to the October elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, might exploit Mladić's death for political gain. He anticipates a scenario where parties compete to express sorrow or condemnation, further complicating inter-ethnic relations.

"This is what will further complicate the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region," Duraković assessed. He lamented that, even decades after the war, society has not fully confronted the past with facts, which he believes is crucial for building a better future for upcoming generations. Duraković fears that if official authorities in Belgrade and Banja Luka continue to view Mladić as a hero, it could embolden ultranationalist movements.

“

This is what will further complicate the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region.