ON
← Back to feed
Macan on the funeral of Mladic and Serbia 'trapped in time': 'They forget Srebrenica, and talk about Kosovo'
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive16 hr. ago

Macan on the funeral of Mladic and Serbia 'trapped in time': 'They forget Srebrenica, and talk about Kosovo'

Communications expert Krešimir Macan discussed the controversial reactions from Serbia following the death of war criminal Ratko Mladić on a radio program. He argued that Serbs risk losing their victim status if they change their narrative regarding the genocide in Srebrenica and the role of Mladić as a war criminal. Macan criticized the selective denial of historical events by Serbian authorities, noting that they ignore the atrocities of 1991 but focus on events from 1995, effectively forgetting Srebrenica while discussing Kosovo. He pointed out that there is no longer a global order imposing sanctions on such behavior, allowing Serbia to act freely. When asked if Serbs remain stuck in the 1990s, Macan said they are not ready for change, as leaders like Vučić continue to avoid acknowledging the genocide. He also noted that Serbia has reverted to old narratives, such as labeling Croatia’s leadership as 'Ustaše,' and warned that blocking Serbia’s EU accession could become a condition for negotiations due to persistent nationalist rhetoric.

In the heart of The Hague, during the trial of Ratko Mladić, a moment unfolded that would later become a symbol of defiance and resistance. According to reports from local media, journalist Dženana Karup Druško, who was seated just a meter away from Mladić in the courtroom, witnessed a gesture that left his legal team in shock. This incident occurred on the very first day of Mladić’s trial, which began in May 2012. Druško described how she had been watching the proceedings with intense focus, particularly noting Mladić’s reactions as the prosecutor presented evidence. She recalled that Mladić remained composed throughout, occasionally glancing at the audience, including her. Their eyes met once, and she refused to look away, stating, “I didn’t want to look away from such a criminal.” The atmosphere shifted dramatically when the prosecutor began discussing the Srebrenica massacre. In the courtroom, there were murmurs, gasps, and even cries of anguish. Druško noted that Mladić coldly stared back at the crowd and raised his finger over his throat, a gesture interpreted by witnesses as a mock execution. The emotional response from the victims’ families led the judge to call for a recess. As the court adjourned, Mladić rose and moved toward the exit, and Druško found herself only a few steps behind him. He pointed at her and raised his thumb, a gesture that left her utterly stunned. She described feeling as though he had just threatened the victims of Srebrenica again. After the encounter, Druško moved closer to Vladimir Marić, who stood beside her, ensuring she remained outside the judges’ sightline. She then extended her middle finger toward Mladić, a clear message of disdain. Her actions did not go unnoticed, Mladić’s lawyers immediately reacted, expressing concern to the court. Foreign journalists also rushed to ask what had happened. Druško, aware of the potential consequences, quickly grabbed Marić’s hand and exited the courtroom. She emphasized that she had not intended to make headlines, but rather, the start of Mladić’s trial had already made history. Mladić, a former commander of the Army of Republika Srpska and a war criminal, was convicted in 2017 by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) of genocide, crimes against humanity, and violations of international humanitarian law. His conviction was upheld in 2021 by the Appeals Chamber of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. The tribunal found him responsible for numerous atrocities committed during the Bosnian War, including the genocide in Srebrenica, where more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed. After years of evasion, Mladić was arrested in Serbia in May 2011 and extradited to The Hague. His death in August 2026 sparked widespread reactions, both domestically and internationally. In Serbia, some groups attempted to organize rallies in support of Mladić, but these were swiftly canceled by authorities. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republika Srpska denied permission for gatherings, citing concerns over public order. Activists, however, expressed their intent to hold peaceful demonstrations, believing that the police would uphold their commitment to prevent any such events. These cancellations have intensified tensions, with critics arguing that they reflect a broader reluctance to confront historical injustices. Meanwhile, political figures have responded sharply to the situation. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković issued a strong warning to Serbia, stating that the country risks closing its doors to the European Union if it proceeds with plans to honor Mladić with state funeral rites. He condemned the idea as a betrayal of justice and a dangerous signal to other nations. Similar sentiments echoed among European leaders, many of whom viewed the proposed honors as a direct affront to the victims of Srebrenica and their families. In addition to political responses, cultural and social reactions have emerged. In Srebrenica, a planned gathering in Mladić’s memory was canceled after being denounced as inappropriate. Some activists argued that the event could have served as a symbolic act of remembrance, but others saw it as an attempt to glorify a figure associated with mass murder. Meanwhile, a controversial figure, Russian historian Jelena Guskova, has continued to defend Mladić, portraying him as a national hero and a strategic military leader. Her writings, while academically framed, have drawn criticism for downplaying the atrocities attributed to Mladić and for promoting a narrative that ignores the suffering of Srebrenica's victims. As the debate continues, the legacy of Mladić remains deeply polarized. For some, he represents a dark chapter in Balkan history, marked by violence and injustice. For others, he is a symbol of resilience and leadership. Yet, the recent events surrounding his death and the reactions to them underscore the ongoing struggle to reconcile the past with the present, and the complex emotions that still linger around the memory of Srebrenica.

Go to the primary sources (4)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

11 reports

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 555 days ago
She was sitting in the courtroom a few feet away from Ratko Mladic, and then she showed him a gesture that drove his lawyers crazy.

Novinarka Dženana Karup Druško, koja je pratila suđenje bivšeg vojnozapovjednika Ratka Mladića u Haagu, opisala je detaljan incident tokom procesa. Mladić, koji je bio osuđen za više zločina u Bosni i Hercegovini uključujući genocid u Srebrenici, bio je prisutan u sudnici, a Druško ga je posmatrala iz bliske udaljenosti. Tokom iznošenja optužbe, Mladić je izgledao hladan, a njihovi su pogledi se susretali. Kada je tužitelj govorio o Srebrenici, Mladić je demonstrirao gestu koja je bila shvacena kao simulacija klanja, što je izazvalo burnu reakciju u publiku. Sudac je prekinuo raspravu i odredio stanku. Nakon toga, Druško je imala direktni kontakt s Mladićem, a pokazala mu je srednji prst kao znak prezira.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the encounter between Druško and Mladić through the lens of moral judgment and justice, emphasizing the victim perspective and the symbolic act of defiance by the journalist. The narrative highlights the emotional impact on the victims' families and portrays Mladić as a symbol of罪

Why factuality (90): This article provides detailed information about Mladić’s trial at the ICTY, including his 2017 conviction and 2021 confirmation. It mentions the charges of genocide, crimes against humanity, and violations of international humanitarian law, which are consistent with official records. The reference

Why objectivity (55): While the article has some emotional elements, such as the journalist’s personal recollection and her description of Mladić’s demeanor, it generally maintains a more neutral tone compared to the first article. It reports facts about the trial and Mladić’s legal status without overtly condemning him,

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 304 days ago
The war monster is dead, his ideology of death unfortunately is not

The article commemorates the death of Ratko Mladić, a war criminal convicted of genocide, emphasizing his role in wartime atrocities during the Bosnian War. It criticizes the glorification of such figures by young people and highlights Mladić's brutal actions across several cities, including Srebrenica, where he was ultimately sentenced for genocide. The piece notes how international community allowed him to avoid military defeat in Bosnia and escape punishment for crimes committed in Croatia, where he began his violent campaign. The article underscores the lasting legacy of hatred and destruction associated with Mladić’s ideology.

Bias read (Progressive): The article strongly condemns Mladić's actions, frames them as symbols of cowardice, destruction, and hatred, and criticizes those who might glorify such individuals. The tone is unequivocally critical of war criminals and their ideologies, aligning with left-leaning values of justice, human rights,

Why factuality (85): The article presents a highly negative portrayal of Ratko Mladić, calling him a 'ratni zločinac' and emphasizing his role in war crimes and genocide. While it aligns with the general historical narrative of Mladić's guilt as established by the ICTY, it lacks specific citations or references to prima

Why objectivity (30): The tone is strongly condemnatory and emotionally charged, using terms like 'ratni zločinac' and 'smrti.' It frames Mladić solely as a criminal without presenting any counterpoints or alternative perspectives. The article uses loaded language and focuses exclusively on his wrongdoing, showing little

Net.hr logoNet.hrIndependentProgressive16 hr. ago
Macan on the funeral of Mladic and Serbia 'trapped in time': 'They forget Srebrenica, and talk about Kosovo'

Communications expert Krešimir Macan discussed the controversial reactions from Serbia following the death of war criminal Ratko Mladić on a radio program. He argued that Serbs risk losing their victim status if they change their narrative regarding the genocide in Srebrenica and the role of Mladić as a war criminal. Macan criticized the selective denial of historical events by Serbian authorities, noting that they ignore the atrocities of 1991 but focus on events from 1995, effectively forgetting Srebrenica while discussing Kosovo. He pointed out that there is no longer a global order imposing sanctions on such behavior, allowing Serbia to act freely. When asked if Serbs remain stuck in the 1990s, Macan said they are not ready for change, as leaders like Vučić continue to avoid acknowledging the genocide. He also noted that Serbia has reverted to old narratives, such as labeling Croatia’s leadership as 'Ustaše,' and warned that blocking Serbia’s EU accession could become a condition for negotiations due to persistent nationalist rhetoric.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Serbian responses to Mladić’s death as politically motivated and ideologically driven, emphasizing the refusal to acknowledge historical responsibility. The language suggests a critique of Serbian nationalism and the lack of progress toward reconciliation, aligning more closely to

tportal logotportalIndependentCenteryesterday
Cancelled rally in support of war criminal Ratko Mladic in Srebrenica

A planned pro-Ratko Mladić event in Srebrenica was canceled after the authorities of the Republika Srpska refused permission for either the event or a counter-protest by genocide survivors. The event had been organized by Serbian defense associations and was intended to show support for Mladić, who was recently convicted of war crimes and died in The Hague. In response, activists planned a peaceful gathering to commemorate the victims of the genocide. Alija Tabaković, representing survivor groups, stated they received assurances from local police that such a pro-Mladić event would not take place in Srebrenica.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both the cancellation of the pro-Mladić event and the planned counter-protest by genocide survivors without overtly favoring one side. It includes quotes from both organizers and authorities, providing balanced perspectives on the situation.

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveyesterday
Cancelled rally in support of Ratko Mladic in Srebrenica

The planned rally in support of war criminal Ratko Mladić in Srebrenica has been canceled, following pressure from authorities and activists. The event was intended to honor Mladić, who died recently in The Hague after being convicted of war crimes. In response, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Srpska denied permission for a peaceful gathering of genocide survivors, which had been scheduled for the next day. The organizers, represented by Alija Tabaković, argued that such gatherings were inappropriate and sought to send a message against glorifying convicted war criminals. Following the cancellation of Mladić’s rally, the planned meeting of Srebrenica associations was also called off. Tabaković stated that he submitted the request for the peaceful gathering specifically due to the threat of Mladić’s rally, and that police assurances were received regarding its prevention.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the cancellation of Mladić’s rally as a necessary action to prevent the glorification of a convicted war criminal, aligning with international condemnation of his actions. It emphasizes the moral stance against honoring individuals responsible for atrocities, suggesting a leftward

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveyesterday
Kovačević about Gospić: At one point the performance of the HDZ-Sopran concept of circular economy began

Former diplomat Božo Kovačević, who served as Serbia’s Minister of Environment, discussed various topics during an interview, including the state funeral for war criminal Ratko Mladić and environmental issues in Gospić. He criticized Serbia for organizing a state funeral for Mladić, arguing that this would confirm Serbia’s involvement in the Bosnian War and its complicity in genocide. Kovačević emphasized that open celebration of someone responsible for genocide is a disgrace and called out figures like Milorad Dodik for their role. He also highlighted systemic tolerance toward Serbia by EU institutions despite documented fraud in elections and suppression of protests. Regarding environmental issues in Gospić, he noted that while illegal waste dumping has existed for years, local authorities lack capacity to enforce laws effectively.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Serbia’s handling of Mladić’s funeral as a moral failing and criticizes the country’s alignment with figures accused of wartime atrocities. It emphasizes accountability for past crimes and calls out systemic tolerance by international institutions, which aligns with left-leaning批判

Net.hr logoNet.hrIndependentConservative2 days ago
In Srebrenica, a rally has been announced in honor of Ratko Mladic, Moimir: 'Please!?'

The article reports on planned gatherings in Srebrenica commemorating the death of Ratko Mladić, a war criminal from Serbia and Republika Srpska. The reactions to his death have been described as scandalous since the beginning. The article includes a quote from Mojmira expressing disbelief at the announcement of such an event. The piece highlights the controversy surrounding the commemoration of a figure responsible for war crimes.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the commemoration of a war criminal in a manner that suggests disapproval, using terms like 'skandalozne reakcije' (scandalous reactions), which implies a negative judgment. The tone appears critical of those honoring Mladić, aligning more with a right-leaning perspective that is

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentProgressive2 days ago
Plenkovic sent a strong message to Serbia because of Mladic: "They are closing the door of the European Union to themselves"

Hrvatski premijer Andrej Plenković je iznio jasnu poruku Srbiji, upozoravajući da bi neslužbena najava o državnim počastima za Ratka Mladića, bivšeg vojnika optuženog za genocid u Srebrenici, zatvorila vrata Europske unije za Srbiju. Plenković je naglasio da je to još najava, a ne konačna odluka, ali da je takav potez ozbiljan. U isto vrijeme, na Bledskom strateškom forumu, premijeri Slovenije, Mađarske i Češke su razmatrali regionalne pitanja, uključujući bilateralne odnose Hrvatske i Mađarske, posebno vezane uz INA i Mola, te potencijalnu saradnju u energetskim i ekonomskim pitanjima.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue around Croatia’s strong opposition to Serbia’s potential recognition of Mladić with state honors, which is seen as a direct challenge to European Union values. The emphasis on the EU as a moral benchmark and the criticism of Serbia’s actions align with left-leaning views

tportal logotportalIndependentProgressive2 days ago
Scandalous: in Srebrenica, the farewell of Ratko Mladic was announced, on a poster with the title from '95.

U Srebrenici je objavljen poziv za okupljanje 2. rujna, na kojem bi se sudionici trebali oprostiti od osuđenog ratnog zločinca Ratka Mladića, koji je umro u Haagu 27. kolovoza. Poziv je objavljen na plakatu koji označava Srebrenicu kao „Srpsku Srebrenicu“, izraz koji je Mladić koristio na snimcima iz 1995. Okupljanje se organizira u gradu koji je postao simbol genocida, gdje je 1995. ubijeno više od 8000 bošnjačkih muškaraca i dječaka. Svake godine 11. srpnja u gradu se odaje počast žrtvama i podsjeća na posljedice ratnih zločina. Mladić je 2017. osuđen za genocid, progon, istrebljenje, ubojstva i prisilno premještanje nesrpskog stanovništva, a 2021. potvrđena je presuda s kaznom doživotnog zatvora. U Hrvatskoj je osuđen na 20 godina zatvora zbog razaranja Šibenika i šire okolice.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the call for reconciliation in Srebrenica as a significant event, emphasizing the historical trauma and ongoing impact of Mladić’s actions. It highlights the contrast between the perception of Mladić among different groups, viewed as a hero by some and a symbol of genocide by the受害

Net.hr logoNet.hrIndependentCenter3 days ago
In Srebrenica, a rally has been announced for the release of war criminal Ratko Mladic.

In Srebrenica, a gathering has been announced on September 2nd to commemorate the death of war criminal Ratko Mladić. The event has sparked controversy, especially since it is taking place in Srebrenica, a town symbolized by the massacre of over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys in July 1995. For some in the Serbian public, Mladić is seen as a hero, while for the victims and their families, he represents genocide, persecution, and war crimes. Mladić was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2017 for his role in the genocide and other atrocities, including the siege of Sarajevo and the detention of UN personnel. He died in August 2022 in The Hague. In Croatia, he was convicted in absentia in 2013 for the destruction of Šibenik and surrounding areas, as well as for the Skabrnja massacre in November 1991.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about Mladić's crimes, convictions, and the planned commemoration in Srebrenica. It does not take a clear stance on the event itself but provides balanced context about Mladić's legacy, mentioning both perspectives, his status as a hero among some Serbs and a罪

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentConservative3 days ago
Who's the woman obsessed with the war criminal, the Young Warrior?

The article explores the controversial figure of Jelena Guskova, a Russian historian who has extensively studied the Balkans and developed a highly sympathetic portrayal of Ratko Mladić, one of the most notorious war criminals of the 20th century. While Guskova is described as a respected academic affiliated with Serbian institutions, her writings and interviews suggest a deeply personal and almost mythic view of Mladić, portraying him as a 'great warrior' and 'hero.' The article criticizes her approach as lacking historical objectivity, noting that her narrative omits the suffering of victims, particularly those from Srebrenica. It highlights the ethical implications of her work, arguing that her perspective risks erasing the reality of genocide and the trauma experienced by survivors.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames Jelena Guskova’s research as a form of ideological alignment with nationalist narratives, emphasizing her uncritical admiration for Mladić despite his role in atrocities. The language used, such as calling him a 'great strategist' and 'hero', reflects a right-leaning interpretation.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories