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UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Red Star for the glorification of Ratko Mladic
Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsCenter2 hr. ago

UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Red Star for the glorification of Ratko Mladic

The European football organization UEFA has initiated a disciplinary process against Red Star Belgrade due to fan behavior during a match against Viktorija. Fans of Red Star displayed a banner honoring Ratko Mladić, a former military commander convicted of genocide and war crimes who recently died in The Hague. The fan group 'Delije' was involved in this activity, and controversial scenes were later posted on the club’s official channels, including social media posts featuring the banners and a salute emoji. The Spomenik Center Srebrenica criticized the club for publishing these images, arguing that the responsibility cannot be limited to fans alone. UEFA is investigating the incident under three grounds: racist or discriminatory conduct, inappropriate messaging at sports venues, and improper team behavior. This follows a previous disciplinary action against Red Star for similar incidents involving Mladić. The club was urged to address both fan behavior and its own response in the same context.

UEFA has initiated a disciplinary process against Red Star Belgrade over its handling of a match against Viktoria Plzeň, during which fans of the Belgrade club allegedly glorified Ratko Mladić, a former military commander convicted of genocide and other war crimes. According to reports from Večernji list, the incident occurred during a game at the stadium, with supporters displaying a banner reading “Generale, velika slava in hvala,” while chanting his name throughout the match. The controversial scenes later appeared on the official channels of Red Star Belgrade, including social media posts featuring images of the banners and an emoji symbolizing a salute. The disciplinary action by UEFA is based on three grounds: “racist and/or discriminatory behavior,” “dissemination of messages inappropriate for sports venues,” and “inappropriate conduct by the team.” The organization has called for an immediate investigation into both the actions of the fans and the response of the club. The Spomenićki centar Srebrenica, a human rights group dedicated to remembering the victims of the Srebrenica massacre, has also filed a complaint, arguing that responsibility cannot be limited solely to fan behavior. They emphasized that Red Star Belgrade itself contributed to the controversy by publishing photos of the match, placing the banners prominently in the foreground. Ratko Mladić, the former commander of the Army of Republika Srpska, died on Thursday in the prison of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague, where he had been serving a life sentence for war crimes and genocide committed during the Bosnian War (1992–1995). His death was confirmed by the ICTY, which had previously ordered an investigation into the circumstances of his death. Mladić was responsible for the siege of Sarajevo, which resulted in the deaths of over 12,000 civilians, and the massacre in Srebrenica, where Bosniak men and boys were systematically killed by Bosnian Serb forces. He was found guilty of these atrocities in 2017 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Following Mladić’s death, Serbian Prime Minister Nenad Vujić announced that his body will be buried with the highest state honors. In a statement to Banja Luka TV, Vujić stated, “General Mladić was a general, and protocols are clear. His role is known, and we will certainly respect everything that belongs to him as a general.” However, Vujić did not specify the exact nature of the honors or whether the Serbian military would participate in the funeral. He added that Serbia will assist in transporting the body from The Hague, though the location of the burial will be decided by the family. Mladić’s lawyer reportedly expressed a wish for him to be buried near his daughter Ana in Belgrade. Across Serbia, mourners gathered in cities such as Zvornik, where hundreds of people marched through the streets, lighting candles and chanting Mladić’s name. In some towns, religious services were held in churches, with participants including notable political figures from Republika Srpska. Meanwhile, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Bosnian Croat politician Ćamil Duraković, a former mayor of Srebrenica, condemned the commemorations, calling them a disgrace. He described Srebrenica as a place where tens of thousands of Bosniaks were expelled and murdered, emphasizing that honoring Mladić does not bring back the dead or heal the wounds of the past. The international community has reacted sharply to Serbia’s decision to bury Mladić with state honors. In Slovenia, there have been calls for condemnation, with critics pointing to the country’s own history of honoring individuals associated with wartime atrocities. For example, the remains of former Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito were interred with high ceremony despite his role in the persecution of dissidents during communist rule. Similarly, in Slovenia, many memorials remain untouched, even though they commemorate those responsible for mass casualties during World War II. In Croatia, the ultra group Ultras Vinkovci responded to Mladić’s death with a provocative slogan: “Samo kratko, crk’o Ratko,” meaning “Just briefly, burn him.” This sentiment reflects the deep divisions on the Balkan Peninsula, where the legacy of wartime leaders continues to shape national identities. In contrast, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Defense condemned Mladić’s death, stating, “He was a war criminal. He was executed. He was one of the most notorious war criminals Europe has ever seen after World War II.” As the mourning period unfolds, tensions continue to simmer across the region. While some view Mladić as a historical figure deserving of remembrance, others see him as a symbol of the atrocities committed during the Bosnian War. The debate over how to remember such figures highlights the enduring impact of wartime legacies on contemporary politics and society. As the world watches, the question remains: can the past be reconciled with the present, or will it continue to divide?

7 reports

Info360 logoInfo360IndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 702 days ago
UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Red Star for the glorification of Ratko Mladic

The European football organization UEFA has initiated a disciplinary process against Red Star Belgrade due to fan behavior during a match against Viktorija. Fans of Red Star displayed a banner honoring Ratko Mladić, a former military commander convicted of genocide and war crimes who recently died in The Hague. The fan group 'Delije' was involved in this activity, and controversial scenes were later posted on the club’s official channels, including social media posts featuring the banners and a salute emoji. The Spomenik Center Srebrenica criticized the club for publishing these images, arguing that the responsibility cannot be limited to fans alone. UEFA is investigating the incident under three grounds: racist or discriminatory conduct, inappropriate messaging at sports venues, and improper team behavior. This follows a previous disciplinary action against Red Star for similar incidents involving Mladić. The club was urged to address both fan behavior and its own response in the same context.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a serious violation of ethical standards by a football club, emphasizing the historical and moral implications of honoring a convicted war criminal. While the focus is on the club's actions, the tone leans left by highlighting the sensitivity of the issue and the need

Why factuality (90): This article provides detailed information about the disciplinary action taken by UEFA against Crvena Zvezda, citing sources like Večernji list and the Spominski center Srebrenica. It clearly outlines the three grounds for the disciplinary process and references past similar actions by UEFA. The fac

Why objectivity (70): While the article remains largely neutral in reporting events, there is a slight bias in highlighting the moral implications of the fans' actions and the involvement of the Spominski center, which may influence reader perception.

Zanima.me logoZanima.meIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 803 days ago
VeEternal glory in Serbia, Blood in hell in Croatia: Mladic's death has again split the Balkans

The article discusses the death of Ratko Mladić, a former Yugoslav military commander convicted of war crimes, and the differing reactions across the Balkans. In Croatia, fans reacted with anger, displaying slogans like 'Samo kratko, crk’o Ratko,' while in Serbia, his death was celebrated with high honors. The piece highlights the ongoing emotional and historical divisions over wartime atrocities, noting that Mladić's death did not resolve past conflicts but rather exposed lingering national narratives. It mentions his conviction by the Hague tribunal in 2017 and his death at 84 years old in a detention center. The article emphasizes that while Mladić's death has symbolic significance, it does not erase the suffering or legal accountability associated with his actions.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Mladić’s death through a lens that emphasizes the moral and historical responsibility of nations toward wartime atrocities. While it presents both Croatian and Serbian responses objectively, it leans left by highlighting the ethical implications of Mladić’s legacy and the need for

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports on Mladić’s death, his conviction, and the differing national reactions to his legacy. It includes precise details about his crimes and the legal process. The information is well-sourced and aligns with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting multiple perspectives without taking sides. It avoids emotional language and provides a balanced overview of the situation, focusing on factual reporting rather than opinion or ideology.

Maribor24 logoMaribor24IndependentConservativeFactual 85Objective 653 days ago
Ratko Mladic will be buried with the highest state honours

The article reports on the death and planned funeral of Ratko Mladić, a former Serbian military commander convicted of war crimes and genocide during the Bosnian War. Mladić died in The Hague while serving a life sentence. Serbian Minister of Justice Nenad Vujić announced that his body would be buried with the highest state honors. In Serbia, memorials and religious ceremonies were held in his honor, with supporters gathering in cities like Zvornik. However, Bosnian politician Ćamil Duraković condemned these commemorations, calling Mladić a symbol of genocide against Bosniaks. The article notes that Mladić was responsible for numerous atrocities, including the siege of Sarajevo and the massacre in Srebrenica.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames Mladić's death and funeral as a matter of national honor and protocol, emphasizing his status as a 'general' and the respect he receives from Serbian authorities. It highlights the state's involvement in organizing the burial and mentions support from high-profile figures like the

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes Mladić’s death, his legal status, and the varied public reactions across different regions. It cites multiple sources and provides context about the ongoing impact of his actions. However, it uses emotionally charged language when discussing the differing perspective

Why objectivity (65): The article takes a clear stance by contrasting the views of different communities toward Mladić, using loaded terms such as 'wars are over, but the past is viewed differently.' This affects objectivity by promoting a narrative rather than presenting both sides equally.

Nova24TV logoNova24TVParty-alignedConservativeFactual 75Objective 60yesterday
Much resentment over Mladic's funeral, while in Slovenia, the eunuch is buried with state honors

The international community has been outraged by Serbia's decision to bury General Ratko Mladić, who was convicted of war crimes in The Hague, with military and state honors. This decision has sparked significant public anger, particularly in Slovenia, where many citizens, including members of the left, criticize the lack of similar recognition for those responsible for greater atrocities in Slovenian history. The article highlights how Slovenia still has numerous mass graves containing thousands of victims from the end of World War II, yet no one has been held accountable for these deaths. In contrast, perpetrators of these crimes are honored as heroes, with political figures placing wreaths at their memorials. The article also notes that former communist leaders, such as Janez Zemljarič, were buried with military honors despite their roles in repression during the communist era, and current political leaders continue to participate in commemorations under totalitarian symbols.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the criticism of Mladić's burial as hypocritical, pointing out that the Slovenian left does not similarly condemn historical figures from the communist era. It uses loaded language to describe the left as 'hypocritical' and criticizes their failure to address past atrocities, thus

Why factuality (75): The article provides accurate information about Mladić's burial arrangements and references his role in the Srebrenica genocide. It also mentions the international reaction and contrasts Slovenia’s approach with Serbia’s. However, some statements lack specific sourcing, such as the claim that 'Slove

Why objectivity (60): The article has a clear bias toward criticizing the Slovenian left for its perceived hypocrisy regarding communist figures. The tone is emotionally charged, using phrases like 'obsessed with communism' and 'ignoring Mladić’s roots,' which suggest an ideological stance rather than objective reporting

Demokracija logoDemokracijaParty-alignedConservativeFactual 65Objective 30yesterday
There is a clear ideological background to the crimes of Ratko Mladic

Franc Breznik, a member of the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), argues that the crimes committed by General Ratko Mladić during the Balkan wars were not the result of random nationalist extremists but were orchestrated by the elite of the former Yugoslavia. He claims that Mladić and other war criminals were products of the communist doctrine of the Yugoslav People's Army (JLA). Breznik highlights that Mladić grew up in a strictly communist household and spent his life within the structures of the JLA. He criticizes the system that claimed to stand for 'brotherhood and unity' yet produced such atrocities, suggesting that the JLA was built on crime and thus ended in crime. He references historical actions by the Partisan army in the 1940s, including mass killings, which he says went unpunished and set a precedent for later actions like those in Srebrenica.

Bias read (Conservative): The article presents a strong ideological critique of the former communist regime in Yugoslavia, blaming it for the atrocities committed during the wars. The framing emphasizes the role of the JLA and communist ideology in producing war criminals, using emotionally charged language and historical re

Why factuality (65): The article presents historical facts about Mladić and the Yugoslav Partisans but frames them through a strong ideological lens. While the content aligns with general knowledge, the interpretation of events is highly subjective and lacks balance. The connection between Mladić and the Yugoslav Commun

Why objectivity (30): The article is extremely biased, presenting a one-sided view that blames the entire Yugoslav Communist system for Mladić’s actions. It uses emotionally charged language ('strategic formula from 1945') and promotes a political agenda, making it far from neutral or objective.

N1 Slovenija logoN1 SlovenijaIndependentProgressive2 hr. ago
Kos: There is no room for glorifying war criminals in the EU and the countries that want to become one

Evropska komisarka za širitev Marta Kos je v svojih izpovedih ob robu Blejskega strateškega foruma poudarila, da v Evropski uniji in državah, ki želijo postati njeni članice, ni prostora za poveličevanje vojnih zločincev. Njene izjave so bile usmerjene v srbske oblasti, ki so po smrti nekdanjega generala Ratka Mladića razvili posebne obredne prakse, vključno z možnostjo pokopa z najvišjimi državnimi častmi. Kos je poudarila, da je Mladić pravnomočno obsojen za genocid in hudodelstva ter da bo ta dejstvo osnova za oceno situacije v Srbiji. Poleg tega je Komisarka opozorila, da je Bruselj ponovno predlog odprtje sklopa poglavij o gospodarski konkurenčnosti v okviru pristopnih pogajanj z Beogradom, kljub temu pa države članice ne želite odprti tretjega sklopa, ker menijo, da Srbija ne zasluži tega koraka. Kos je napovedala obisk Srbije 9. septembra.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue around European Union values and the condemnation of glorifying war criminals, which aligns with left-leaning perspectives that emphasize human rights, international law, and democratic principles. The emphasis on the EU’s stance against glorification of war criminals, M

Dnevnik logoDnevnikIndependent🔒Progressive17 hr. ago
The dream of the monster

The article reports on the death of Ratko Mladić, a former Bosnian Serb military commander wanted for war crimes. The tone is marked by silence and lack of reaction from individuals and platforms, with some users requesting that his image not be published. The piece includes a reference to an illustration depicting Mladić in uniform alongside symbolic imagery related to Srebrenica. The content is restricted to subscribers and reflects a subdued, almost somber atmosphere around the event.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the death of Ratko Mladić within a context that emphasizes the absence of public reaction and the request to avoid publishing his image, which aligns with left-leaning perspectives that often highlight human rights concerns and the legacy of wartime atrocities. The focus on the 't

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