European Commission Condemns Glorification of Ratko Mladić by Montenegrin Officials

The European Commission stated that praising war criminals opposes fundamental European values. Such messages have no place in the EU or in countries seeking membership. This response followed inquiries about statements from Montenegrin politicians after Ratko Mladić's death.

The Commission reminded everyone that Ratko Mladić was a convicted war criminal. He received a life sentence for crimes against humanity and genocide in Srebrenica, confirmed by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in 2021.

Andrija Mandić, President of the Parliament of Montenegro, caused reactions by offering condolences to Ratko Mladić's son, Darko, upon his father's death.

Montenegro's President, Jakov Milatović, responded to Mandić, stating that family ties cannot excuse downplaying war crimes. Milatović's office stressed that Montenegro must respect international court judgments, clearly condemn war crimes, and protect victims' dignity. The country must reject all glorification and relativization of such crimes.

Other Montenegrin leaders also condemned Mandić's actions. Ervin Ibrahimović, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said a convicted war criminal deserves "only contempt," alive or dead, calling anything else glorification. Nik Đeljošaj, Deputy Prime Minister, also condemned Mladić's glorification, linking it to Montenegro's European values and path. He affirmed that downplaying war crimes would not impede the country's European integration.