Tuzla Remembers Kapija Massacre 31 Years On, Justice Still Eludes Victims

Tuzla marked 31 years since the devastating Kapija massacre. On May 25, 1995, a shell from Mount Ozren killed 71 young people and injured over 150. The attack happened at 8:55 PM. The Kapija, once a symbol of youth, became a place of lasting pain for Tuzla. The Tuzla Canton government declared May 25 a Day of Mourning in 2016. The city held memorial programs today, including wreath-laying and a main ceremony at Kapija. Sirens sounded at 8:55 PM to remember the tragedy.

Families of the victims still await full justice. Novak Đukić was convicted for this crime, but he remains free. The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina found Đukić guilty in 2014. As commander of the "Ozren" Tactical Group of the Army of Republika Srpska, he ordered the shelling of Tuzla. Đukić was initially sentenced to 25 years, then 20 years. He was released from prison in 2014 due to legal changes. Đukić then went to Serbia and has not returned. An arrest warrant was issued in October 2014. Serbia has delayed proceedings to take over his sentence. Justice for the Kapija victims remains out of reach 31 years later.