Forgotten Crimes Against Serbs in Podrinje: Why Justice Still Eludes?
Every year on July 11, while the world mourns the victims of Srebrenica with sorrow and respect, another side of the story remains in the shadows — the crimes against Serbs in Podrinje and Birč. Does anyone even want to hear about them?
33 Years Without Justice
In Bratunac, a place of deep sorrow and remembrance, the President of the Serbian Assembly Ana Brnabić openly states: “The crime against Serbs in Podrinje and Birč was monstrous, and no one has been held accountable.” So much for justice! Three thousand Serbs were killed in this region during the civil war, with 75% of the victims being civilians — women, children, elderly. Yet, their suffering is almost unknown to the international community.
Crimes That Are Ignored
While the world focuses on Srebrenica, it forgets that numerous crimes against Serbs were committed in Podrinje and Birč. Vojin Pavlović, the only person convicted for genocide denial, claims that Serbs are not even allowed to speak about these crimes without risking prosecution. He openly states that Naser Orić, commander of the Army of BiH, was responsible for the massacre in Zalazje, where many Serbs were killed.
A Political Project of Stigmatization
Pavlović and others emphasize that the narrative about Srebrenica is a political project aimed at portraying Serbs as a genocidal people. Western powers, they argue, use this narrative to destabilize the Balkans and push Serbian victims into oblivion.
Serbian Officials Do Not Give Up
The President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić stress the importance of not forgetting Serbian victims and finally achieving justice. Dodik reminds that the worst crimes against Serbs were committed even during major Serbian holidays, in their own homes.
Pain That Lasts Generations
Zoran Lazarević, whose family lost five members, describes a pain that cannot be measured. His mother, aged 88, carries a burden no human being should bear.
What Next?
It is clear that Serbian victims in Podrinje and Birč must not be forgotten. But until justice is served, until the truth is acknowledged, and until political games stop, the pain will continue.
What do you think about this double standard in remembering victims? Maybe it’s time this side of the story is finally heard? Drop a comment if this hasn’t left you indifferent.
This article is based on statements and facts from reliable sources, without fabrication or unverified information.
