Women in Black hold vigil in Belgrade for Srebrenica genocide anniversary

The activist group Women in Black held a silent vigil in Belgrade's Republic Square to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. Dressed in black, the women stood in silence, holding a large black banner, near the monument to Prince Mihailo.

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recognize the genocide in Srebrenica, primarily as an act of respect for the dignity of the victims, but also as an opportunity for Serbia to join the community of democratic countries in Europe and the world

Behind them, another activist used a megaphone to remind attendees of Serbian victims and suffering during the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s. Some citizens present wore t-shirts featuring the image of Ratko Mladić, a convicted war criminal, and displayed Serbian flags. Police were present, but the gathering remained peaceful and without incident.

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the president and all other state representatives to stop denying the genocide and all other war crimes in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond

In their call for the event, Women in Black reiterated their demands: the official recognition of the Srebrenica genocide, which they stated is crucial for respecting the dignity of the victims and for Serbia's integration into the European community. They also called on the Serbian president and other state representatives to cease denying the genocide and other war crimes committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region.

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criminalize the denial of genocide and all crimes against humanity and war crimes

Further demands included criminalizing the denial of genocide and crimes against humanity, declaring July 11th as the Day of Remembrance for the Srebrenica Genocide, and removing murals across Serbia that celebrate Mladić. They also urged Serbia to cease its policy of destabilizing the region and interfering in the internal affairs of neighboring countries. The group announced their intention to participate in the commemoration and burial of victims in Potočari the following day, alongside the families of those killed.

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declare July 11th as the Day of Remembrance for the Srebrenica Genocide