EU Says Mladic Burial in Belgrade a Key Test for Serbia
EU warns Serbia's handling of Ratko Mladic's funeral will test its values as his son alleges murder.
The European Union has said it is closely monitoring how Serbia, a candidate for membership, handles the funeral of the late Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos stated on Friday that the coming days will be a significant test of Serbia's alignment with European values.
Mladic's remains were flown to Belgrade on a government plane on Thursday, days after his death in a hospital in The Hague. His coffin, draped in the Serbian flag, was carried from the aircraft by army soldiers. Nationalist supporters lit flares as the convoy passed under escort. Serbia's Justice Minister was present on the flight with the family.
At a press conference on Friday, Mladic's son, Darko Mladic, claimed his father was murdered. He alleged that negligent medical treatment and the deliberate administration of strong intoxicants at the Hague tribunal led to his death.
Darko Mladic also announced that his father will be buried on Monday, following a military commemoration ceremony planned for Saturday. The coffin will be placed in a Belgrade church on Monday morning to allow the public to pay respects.
Ratko Mladic was convicted in 2017 of genocide and other war crimes, including the massacre of over 8,000 Muslims in Srebrenica in 1995 and the siege of Sarajevo. He remains a controversial figure, viewed as a hero by many Serbs.