33 Years Since the Horrific War Crime: The Klapuh Family Still Without Justice!
Who still believes in justice? On July 6th, it will be 33 years since the brutal murder of the Klapuh family in Foča, and the convicted for this crime are still free! Yes, you read that right – although four men were finally sentenced to 20 years in prison each, only two have served part of their sentences, while the others remain free. How is this possible?
A Crime That Shook the Region
Hasan, Ferida, and Sena Klapuh were killed in 1991 by members of a special unit of the Army of the Republika Srpska. Instead of being transported to safe territory in Montenegro as agreed, the soldiers executed them and threw their bodies into the canyon of the Piva River. This brutal war crime shocked the public and left deep scars in the collective memory.
Trial and Verdict – But Where Is the Punishment?
The trial began in 2014 in Podgorica, and the final verdict was delivered in 2017. Four accused – Zoran Simović, Zoran Vuković, Radomir Kovač, and Janko Janjić – were sentenced to 20 years in prison each. The fifth accused, Vidoje Golubović, received eight months for failing to report the crime, while the sixth suspect, Milomir Kovač, committed suicide during the proceedings.
But here’s the shocking part: to date, only Golubović and Janjić, who also committed suicide in 2020, have served their sentences. The other three main convicts remain free! Why? Because there is no bilateral agreement between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina that would allow their extradition or transfer of sentence enforcement.
Exhumation and Hope for a Dignified Burial
In June this year, remains suspected to belong to the Klapuh family were exhumed in Nikšić. DNA analysis will confirm their identity, which would allow a dignified burial for the victims. But until justice is fully served, the family and society remain in agony.
CGO Calls for Justice and Remembrance
The Center for Civic Education (CGO) calls on the competent authorities to ensure the execution of the sentences and to properly mark the crime scene as a permanent reminder and warning. Because how else can lessons be learned if criminals walk free?
Conclusion: Justice on Hold, Time Relentless
33 years after this horrific crime, justice is still on hold. The convicted who should have answered for this monstrous act still enjoy freedom, while the Klapuh family and the entire region wait for truth and justice. Will justice ever prevail? Or will we forever live in a world where war crimes go unpunished?
If this sounds unbelievable to you, you’re not alone. Share your thoughts, tell your theories, or just drop a sarcastic comment – because if we can’t laugh, what else is left?
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