Thousands attend funeral of Bosnian Serb war criminal Ratko Mladic

Thousands gathered in Belgrade for the funeral of Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb commander convicted of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 1990s war in Bosnia.

Mladic died in late August at the age of 84 while serving a life sentence in The Hague. His record led international media to call him the “Butcher of Bosnia,” but many Serb nationalists continue to depict him as a hero and protector, particularly in Republika Srpska, where his death prompted vigils.

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military and state honours

The funeral took place at the small St Luka Church rather than the grand Saint Sava Temple, where state funerals are usually held. Several Serbian ministers attended, along with Russia’s ambassador to Serbia and Milorad Dodik, the former president of Republika Srpska. After hours on public display, the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church conducted the service.

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safely

“We know that his name will remain deeply etched in the memory and prayers of the majority of our Serbian Orthodox people, who feel and nurture a deep sense of gratitude towards him,” Patriarch Porfirije told mourners inside the church. Serbian veterans and other mourners queued outside, while flags bearing Mladic’s image flew beside Serbian and Republika Srpska tricolours.

The procession moved toward Topcider cemetery, where Mladic’s daughter, who died by suicide during the Bosnian war, is also buried. President Aleksandar Vucic said the state would ensure the funeral passed safely but did not attend because of a prior engagement. He rejected accusations that the event glorified Mladic, saying it followed the family’s wishes. The European Union repeated its condemnation of any glorification of war criminals.

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We know that his name will remain deeply etched in the memory and prayers of the majority of our Serbian Orthodox people, who feel and nurture a deep sense of gratitude towards him.