UK Urged to Prevent Honors for Convicted War Criminal Ratko Mladić

The Bosnia & Herzegovina UK Network has asked the United Kingdom government to act. The group is worried about reports that Ratko Mladić might receive state and military honors at his burial in Serbia. Mladić died in prison. He was found guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

The Network was started during the 1990s war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. People affected by the war founded it. For 30 years, it has helped Bosnian refugees and survivors in the UK. This includes families of Srebrenica genocide victims.

Giving official honors to a convicted war criminal would deeply upset victims and their families. It could also promote war criminals, deny genocide, and change history. Zaim Pašić, who leads the Network, said this would cause more pain. He urged the UK government to use its diplomatic power. This would stop Mladić's funeral from becoming an official act of praise.

The Network also reminded the UK of its strong support for remembering the Srebrenica genocide. The UK backed a UN resolution for July 11 to be a day of remembrance. The Network stated that its concern is not about Mladić's right to burial. It is only about state or military involvement that could turn his funeral into an official glorification.