Round table in the Assembly on the uprising in Serbia: "Pop Đujić was one of the leaders of the uprising"

A roundtable discussion held in the Croatian Parliament examined the uprising in Croatia during World War II, focusing on its historical interpretation and the roles played by various groups. Organized by Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Ivan Penava under the title "Summer 1941 – Croatian Victims of Ethnic Cleansing as a Historical and Commemorative Challenge," the event brought together historians and experts who debated the nature of the uprising and its implications. Participants emphasized that the Day of the Uprising of the Croatian Nation, traditionally commemorated on July 27th, was not a joint uprising involving both Croats and Serbs in Slavonia but rather an exclusively Serbian uprising that took place in the regions of southern Bosnia, eastern Slavonia, and northern Dalmatia. One of the leaders in northern Dalmatia was identified as Father Momčilo Đujić, a Serbian Orthodox priest who later became a leader of the Chetnik movement in the same area. This perspective challenges the traditional narrative that frames the uprising as a collective act of resistance against Axis forces. The discussion highlighted the complex nature of the events in 1941, noting that the uprising was accompanied by numerous crimes committed against non-Serbian populations. According to Mario Jareb, a scientific advisor at the Croatian Institute of History, one crime should not be used to justify another. He pointed out that the insurgents committed multiple crimes against Croatian and Muslim communities, which were often overlooked or misrepresented in historical accounts. Vlatka Vukelić, a professor at the Faculty of Croatian Studies, argued that Yugoslav historiography had largely ignored or minimized the crimes committed by the insurgents. She noted that available documents show that the leadership of the Drvar Brigade established strict discipline, which was essential for their military successes. Therefore, the claim that these actions were carried out by irresponsible individuals cannot be accepted as accurate, since the leadership did not sanction those responsible for the crimes. Zlatko Begonja, a retired university professor, identified three main actors in the uprising: communists, Chetniks, and Italian fascists. He explained that the communists opposed any form of independent Croatia because it contradicted their vision of a unified Yugoslavia. The Chetniks, on the other hand, fought for the realization of the idea of a Greater Serbia, which they saw as hindered by an independent Croatia. Although the Rome Agreements of May 1941 granted Italy large parts of Croatian coastal areas, Gornja Posavina, and Dalmatia, Begonja suggested that the Italian fascists shared common interests with the Chetniks in preventing the establishment of an independent Croatian state, as this would interfere with their imperialist policies along the Adriatic coast. Deputy Speaker Ivan Penava stressed the importance of basing history on facts rather than ideology or worldview. He stated that the goal is truth, and he criticized efforts to distort, conceal, or exaggerate historical events. Instead, he emphasized the need to expose and reveal the underhanded actions that have been detrimental to the Croatian nation, its independence, and internal reconciliation within the Croatian community. The roundtable underscored the necessity of revisiting historical narratives to ensure accuracy and fairness. It called for a more comprehensive understanding of the events in 1941, recognizing the complexities and diverse perspectives that shaped the conflict. By addressing these issues openly, participants aimed to foster a more inclusive and truthful historical discourse that respects all affected communities.