Thousands Attend Controversial Funeral of Convicted War Criminal Ratko Mladic in Belgrade

Ratko Mladic, once the Bosnian Serb army chief, was convicted of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity for his role during the Bosnian War. He died on August 27, 2026, while serving a life sentence in The Hague. News of his death quickly reignited debate in Serbia about his legacy, with some viewing him as a national hero and others condemning his actions.

The Serbian government left decisions about Mladic's funeral to his family, but international pressure on Serbia began mounting as plans for a public commemoration emerged. The tension reflected deep divisions within Serbian society and between Serbia and the broader European community.

On September 4, reports surfaced that the Serbian government had left funeral arrangements to Mladic's family, but international criticism was already intensifying. Many Serbs expressed strong feelings both for and against public commemoration, highlighting the nation's internal rifts.

By September 5, European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos announced she was canceling her visit to Serbia in protest, citing concerns about the glorification of a convicted war criminal. This decision was echoed by other European leaders, who warned that such acts contradicted EU values and could affect Serbia's EU candidacy.

On the same day, a commemoration ceremony was held in Belgrade, attended by dozens of former military staff, family members, and officials. The event showed that support for Mladic remains strong in some segments of Serbian society.

The funeral itself took place on September 7, drawing thousands of mourners to a church in Belgrade. Media reported that both active and retired military generals were present, and Serbian national flags were displayed. Despite the scale of the event, there were no official state honors or military salutes.

Public displays of support for Mladic also appeared elsewhere, such as when Red Star Belgrade football fans honored him with banners at a match.

Serbia is facing renewed international scrutiny after the public commemoration and funeral of Ratko Mladic. While many Serbs continue to view him as a hero, the events have drawn sharp criticism from the European Union and other international actors.

The government's decision to allow the family to organize the burial, while not officially endorsing the commemoration, has not prevented the perception that Serbia is still struggling with its wartime legacy. The controversy has raised fresh doubts about Serbia's readiness to align with EU values as it seeks membership.

The European Union's reaction to the events in Belgrade may impact Serbia's EU accession talks and diplomatic relations in the coming months. Observers are watching to see if Serbia will take further steps to distance itself from wartime figures or if internal divisions will deepen. The international community's next moves, especially regarding Serbia's EU candidacy, remain a critical question.