Serbia accused of ‘glorifying’ convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić ahead of funeral

The body of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić has been returned to Serbia for his funeral. According to reports from AP News and ABC News, the president confirmed the return, and Reuters specifies that Mladić's remains were transported back to the country via a government plane. While Euronews.com reports that Mladić was commemorated in Belgrade without the use of state honours, the event has sparked significant international tension. NBC News reports that Serbia is facing accusations of glorifying the convicted war criminal ahead of the funeral proceedings. Various media outlets are highlighting the diplomatic fallout and internal social friction resulting from these events.

Al Jazeera reports that a senior EU official has canceled a planned trip to Serbia specifically because of the planned tribute to Mladić. Furthermore, Balkan Insight reports that Serbian President Vucic has reacted to the European Union's condemnation of the tributes, describing the EU's position as 'stupid'. The coverage emphasizes a deep divide within the region, with dw.com focusing on how the funeral proceedings are currently dividing the Serbian nation. Contextual reports provide insight into the nature of the crimes associated with the deceased. The Boston Globe refers to Mladić as the 'Butcher of Bosnia' and shares the account of a man from Revere who survived his atrocities.

The Hill argues that honoring Mladić continues a pattern of genocide denial. Additionally, Jacobin notes that there are few individuals in Serbia who frankly reckon with the specific crimes committed by Ratko Mladić, suggesting a lack of national acknowledgment regarding his convictions. Future developments center on the diplomatic relationship between Belgrade and the European Union following the cancellation of the senior official's visit. Observers will be monitoring whether further tributes are organized and how the Serbian government manages the tension between internal commemorations and international pressure. Coverage does not yet specify the exact date of the funeral service, but the focus remains on the government's role in the return of the body and the subsequent reaction from the international community.