Vogošća Remembers Tihovići Massacre Victims 34 Years On

The Vogošća municipality held its annual gathering for families of missing persons. This event took place at the "Grab" Memorial and in front of the Tihovići Memorial. Many citizens, family members of victims, and local officials attended. They honored innocent victims and remembered a tragic day 34 years ago.

In July 1992, aggressive forces, aided by local Serbs, attacked Tihovići. Thirty residents were brutally killed in their homes. Their houses and properties were looted and burned. Attackers also burned the victims' bodies on car tires to destroy evidence.

Delegations laid flowers at the Tihovići memorial. They honored those killed in Tihovići and all defenders from the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Speakers included Ema Čekić, president of the Association "Families of Missing Persons of Vogošća Municipality," Migdad Hasanović, Mayor of Vogošća, and Alija Kožljak, Chief of Staff for Denis Bećirović. All speakers shared a similar message. They stressed that the truth must never be forgotten. They said remembering is not about hatred or revenge. It is a moral duty to victims and a promise for future generations. When war crimes are denied, remembrance becomes vital. Truth is the only strong base for reconciliation. Societies that face their past can build a future free from new conflicts. These gatherings are important history lessons for young people, showing the suffering in Bosnia and Herzegovina to prevent future evils.

Ema Čekić spoke about 34 years of searching and injustice. She said no one has been held responsible for the crime in Tihovići. She urged institutions to do more to find missing persons and punish criminals. She stated people were killed because they were Bosniaks and Muslims. She emphasized that the future must be built on truth, and crimes must not be forgotten.

Mayor Migdad Hasanović noted that Tihovići soil is soaked with blood. He called the perpetrators "criminals." He said the community seeks truth and accountability, not revenge. Alija Kožljak affirmed the day is a pledge to preserve truth. He said truth opens the way to trust, reconciliation, and a shared future. He called for unity to protect Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A very emotional moment occurred at the Tihovići cemetery. The remains of Đemal Hadžić, one of the murdered residents, were re-buried. His family had buried him once before. But it was later found the remains were not his. After new DNA tests, his identity was confirmed. So, his family had to bury him a second time after many years. This re-burial showed the ongoing pain for families and the importance of finding missing persons for human dignity and truth.

Fifteen other unidentified remains of Tihovići residents were also permanently buried. The event sent a strong message: time cannot erase truth or lessen family pain. Their fight is for truth, justice, and dignity. A culture of remembrance is important for all generations. A society that remembers and accepts truth can build a fair and safe future.