Ratko Mladic hero's funeral in Serbia
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Ratko Mladic's funeral drew thousands in Belgrade on Sep 7, 2026. The event tests Serbia's EU path amid genocide conviction.
Background
Ratko Mladic, former Bosnian Serb military commander, was convicted of genocide and other war crimes by a U.N. tribunal and sentenced to life in 2017. He died in The Hague on August 27, 2026, while serving his sentence. His body was returned to Serbia on a government plane, and his funeral on September 7 drew thousands of mourners who view him as a hero, despite international condemnation.
How it unfolded
- Aug 27, 2026Ratko Mladic dies in The Hague while serving a life sentence for genocide and war crimes.
- Sep 3, 2026Mladic's body is flown to Serbia on a government plane; banners welcoming him appear in Belgrade.
- Sep 4, 2026EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancels a visit to Serbia, citing 'glorification' of Mladic.
- Sep 7, 2026Thousands gather at St. Luke's church in Belgrade for Mladic's funeral, which includes military honors.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Serbian President Vucic said he did all he could to ensure the funeral passed 'in a dignified way' and distanced himself from the arrangements, which were made by Mladic's family.
- EU
- EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos canceled her visit to Serbia, calling the glorification of Mladic unacceptable and a test for Serbia's EU path.
- Public
- Mourner Radojka Visic said, 'I am here to see off the general, a national hero,' reflecting the view of many Serbs who hail Mladic despite his conviction.
- Victims
- Representatives of victims and survivors said any public glorification is a direct insult to the families of those killed.
Still unverified
Reports of 'tens of thousands' expected at the funeral were based on security estimates, but actual numbers were not confirmed. Some pro-government media claimed full military honors, but official confirmation was not provided.