Bosnian Leader: Mladic Will Be 'Blacklisted' in History
Bosnian presidency chairman Denis Becirovic says Ratko Mladic will be 'blacklisted' in history, as Sarajevo residents reflect on the convicted war criminal's death.
The chairman of Bosnia's tripartite presidency, Denis Becirovic, has said that Ratko Mladic will be "blacklisted in the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe and the world." His remarks came on the streets of Sarajevo, where residents gathered following the death of the convicted war criminal.
Becirovic described Mladic as one of the most brutal killers in 20th-century Europe, noting that the UN tribunal had convicted him for genocide against Bosniaks, as well as for terror, expulsions, and deportations. He said his thoughts were with the victims, their families, and all citizens who suffered the consequences of the aggression and genocide.
He stressed the need for Bosnia and Herzegovina to look to the future, while preserving the truth and fighting for justice. "We have to educate new generations so the genocide and war crimes never happen to anyone else again," Becirovic said.
Residents of Sarajevo also shared their reflections. Hamdija Salkic called it the end of an era, noting that while one part of the country perceives Mladic differently, history will determine his true place. Adnan Terzimehic expressed hope that the death would help people move forward, particularly victims, though he acknowledged they will never forget. He described a psychological barrier that he believes may now be easier to overcome.