Day of Mourning in Republika Srpska: Why Justice for Serbian Victims in Central Podrinje Still Eludes?
Every year on July 12th, Republika Srpska declares a day of mourning to commemorate the Serbian population’s suffering in Central Podrinje, specifically in the municipalities of Bratunac, Srebrenica, and surrounding villages. This year, the commemoration in Bratunac was attended by delegations from RS and Serbia, including RS President Milorad Dodik and Patriarch Porfirije.
According to RS data, during the 1990s war, 369 Serbs were killed in this area, with 22 people still missing. Among the victims were two sons of Mileva Rankić from the village of Brežani. Despite these crimes being well documented, no one has been held accountable in the BiH court or the Hague Tribunal for these crimes against Serbs.
Former commander of the BiH Army in Srebrenica, Naser Orić, was acquitted of charges for crimes against Serbs, which further fuels frustration and a sense of injustice among Serbian victims and their families.
Srebrenica and Days of Mourning: Two Entities, Two Narratives
While Republika Srpska marks a day of mourning for Serbian victims in Central Podrinje, the Federation of BiH declared July 11th a day of mourning for the 30th anniversary of the genocide against Bosniaks in Srebrenica. These two days symbolize deep divisions and differing narratives about the war events in BiH.
Leaders of RS and Serbia continue to reject that genocide occurred in Srebrenica, despite evidence that RS Army members killed over 8,000 men and boys and expelled over 25,000 women, children, and elderly.
Why Does Justice Still Elude?
The BiH court and the Hague Tribunal have failed to convict those responsible for crimes against Serbs in Central Podrinje. The Hague Tribunal’s Appeals Chamber overturned Orić’s initial conviction, acquitting him due to lack of evidence of his direct responsibility.
This situation causes anger and a sense of injustice among Serbian victims and their families, who feel their loved ones were killed and forgotten.
Milorad Dodik: “Let’s Not Let Our Dead Die Again”
RS President Milorad Dodik stated at the commemoration that it is important to have the strength to mark such days and not allow victims to be forgotten. “They will die permanently if we forget them,” Dodik said, emphasizing the need for remembrance and justice.
Conclusion: Will Justice Ever Come?
As days of mourning are observed in Bratunac and other places in Central Podrinje, the question of justice remains open. For 369 killed Serbs and 22 missing persons, justice has yet to be served, and political divisions and differing war narratives further complicate reconciliation.
If you have thoughts on this topic or feel justice for victims in BiH will never be achieved, feel free to drop a comment. Who knows, maybe your word will spark some change!
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