Poznati književnik pretučen u Beogradu uoči komemoracije za Srebrenicu

A well-known writer was assaulted in Belgrade ahead of a commemoration ceremony for the victims of the Srebrenica genocide. The incident occurred early on July 11, 2026, just before the planned event was set to begin. Vladimir Arsenijević, the writer, was attacked under the Bridge of Branko, near the location where the commemorative event was intended to take place. According to reports from danas.rs, he described being struck by a group of 20 to 30 individuals who used familiar language and left messages across the area. He stated that he had been hit multiple times, with bruises visible on his face. Despite the attack, Arsenijević insisted that it would not deter him from continuing his activism and work related to remembering the victims of the genocide. The commemoration event, which had been organized by the coalition "Ljudi pamte ljude," was subsequently canceled due to security concerns. Prior to the assault, the coalition had placed a large ikebana in the shape of the Srebrenica flower at the site. Alongside the floral arrangement, they had installed a sign reading "Srebrenica 8.372, Ljudi pamte ljude." The installation was meant to honor all victims of the genocide, their families, and the efforts toward building peace and cultural memory. Representatives from the coalition emphasized that the display was symbolic of their commitment to preserving historical truth and fostering reconciliation. "Ljudi pamte ljude" is composed of non-governmental organizations, foundations, artists, and creators united by a common goal: to preserve the memory of the genocide's victims. They have called upon institutions in the Republic of Serbia to include July 11 in the official calendar of commemorations. This move, they argue, would contribute to the long-term establishment of peace through the cultivation of a culture of remembrance based on factual evidence. In another related development, there were reports of new arrests linked to the USKOK operation, though specific details remain unclear. The focus has remained on the physical and emotional toll of the attack on Arsenijević, whose work continues to draw attention for its critical examination of historical trauma and contemporary social issues. Vladimir Arsenijević’s work has recently gained renewed attention following the release of a film titled Tri tjedna kasnije (Three Weeks Later). Directed by Miroslav Terzić and produced by renowned actor Branislav Trifunović, the film is based on the screenplay written by Arsenijević. It explores the tragic consequences of bullying in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, drawing inspiration from real-life cases involving two boys, Alekse Janković from Serbia and Mahir Rakovac from Sarajevo. Their stories highlight the devastating impact of abuse on children and the broader societal implications of such incidents. Trifunović spoke emotionally about the film’s origins, describing how the case of Alekse Janković deeply affected both himself and many others in Serbia. He recounted how the boy’s parents had spoken publicly about the tragedy, prompting him to feel a sense of responsibility to act. He collaborated with Alekse’s mother, who spent seven hours recounting the events leading to her son’s death. Her words, particularly the statement that only two girls attended his funeral while the rest of his friends went on a trip three weeks later, moved him profoundly. The film, which premiered at the Istrian National Theatre during the Pula Film Festival, received a standing ovation from the audience. Trifunović noted that despite the recent attack on Arsenijević, the writer had chosen to attend the screening in Pula, emphasizing that the experience would not divert him from his path. He expressed admiration for Arsenijević’s resilience and belief that the attack might even strengthen his resolve to continue his work. The film also addresses the experiences of other children suffering from maltreatment, including Mahir Rakovac. His parents, like Alekse’s, supported the project, contributing to the narrative that seeks to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable youth. Trifunović described the process of creating the film as a call for dialogue, urging society to confront difficult truths and find ways to support those affected by such tragedies.