Europe condemned Nazis and Fascists, but not Communist crimes

In Mostar, Croatia’s Zagreb Archbishop Monsignor Dražen Kutleša delivered a powerful message during a Sunday mass, urging European authorities to recognize the crimes committed under communist regimes with the same rigor they have applied to Nazi and fascist atrocities. Speaking on the occasion of Europe Day of Remembrance for Victims of All Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes, Kutleša emphasized that while Europe has rightly condemned Nazism and fascism, there remains a lack of justice and accountability for victims of communist rule. He called on governments to treat all victims of totalitarian systems with equal respect and apply consistent moral principles. The event took place near Mostar, where the Memorial Complex “Grove of Peace” is being built to honor the victims of both World War II and the subsequent wars of independence. The complex, located in Bila, features over 22,000 white crosses, each bearing the name, birth year, and death year of its victim. This number is expected to rise to 50,000 once the entire site is completed. During the ceremony, representatives from Croatian embassies, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the diaspora community laid wreaths and lit candles in memory of all victims of totalitarian regimes. Kutleša highlighted the contrast between the post-war trials of Nazi war criminals and the silence surrounding communist-era perpetrators. He noted that former communists received pensions and honors, even today, despite their roles in committing grave offenses. “There is a grave silence beneath the five-pointed star,” he said, referring to the symbol often associated with communist ideology. “There is no true condemnation of the perpetrators, no justice for the victims, and no recognition of the suffering endured.” He further stressed that a state can only be credible when it treats all innocent victims of totalitarian regimes with equal dignity and applies the same moral standards to them. “A nation must show equal respect to all victims of authoritarian regimes,” he stated, emphasizing the need for consistency in historical reckoning. Participants in the event included officials from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the international diaspora. They gathered to pay tribute to those who suffered under various oppressive regimes throughout history. The memorial site continues to grow, with more crosses added regularly. Each cross serves as a quiet monument to individual lives lost due to political violence and repression. Kutleša’s remarks reflect broader concerns among historians and activists who argue that the legacy of communist rule in the Balkans has been largely overlooked compared to the well-documented horrors of Nazi occupation. While the Nuremberg Trials established a precedent for holding war criminals accountable, similar efforts have been lacking in addressing the crimes of communist leaders. Many victims of communist regimes remain unacknowledged, their stories buried beneath layers of political amnesia. As the Memorial Complex “Grove of Peace” nears completion, it stands as a growing testament to the collective memory of those who suffered under different forms of tyranny. The continued addition of names to the crosses underscores the ongoing effort to ensure that these histories are not forgotten. The event in Mostar represents one step toward acknowledging the full spectrum of totalitarian violence, past and present.