Thousands of mourners attended a hero's funeral in Belgrade for Ratko Mladić, the Serbian general convicted of genocide, in a ceremony that has drawn international concern and questions over Serbia's EU ambitions.
Key facts
- Ratko Mladić, known as the 'Butcher of Bosnia', was given a hero's funeral in Belgrade.
- Thousands of mourners gathered for the ceremony, according to the Guardian.
- Mladić died in prison in late August, aged 84, while serving a life sentence.
- He was convicted of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide for his role in the 1990s Balkans conflict.
- The funeral has raised questions for Serbia's EU membership plan.
Thousands of mourners gathered in Belgrade for the funeral of Ratko Mladić, the Serbian general convicted of orchestrating what has been described as the worst massacre in Europe since the second world war, according to the Guardian.
Known as the ‘Butcher of Bosnia’ for his role during the Balkans genocide in the 1990s, Mladić died in prison in late August at the age of 84. He had been serving a life sentence for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Guardian reported that his hero’s return home has raised international alarm, with the funeral drawing attention far beyond Serbia’s borders.
The fanfare surrounding the Belgrade ceremony has raised questions for Serbia’s plan to join the European Union, according to the Guardian’s coverage of the event.
Agence France-Presse contributed to the Guardian’s report on the funeral.
Why it matters
The public honouring of a man convicted of genocide highlights the continuing divisions over how the 1990s Balkans conflict is remembered. It also poses awkward questions for Serbia's stated ambition to join the European Union.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Ratko Mladić?
Ratko Mladić was a Serbian general known as the 'Butcher of Bosnia' for his role during the Balkans genocide in the 1990s. He was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity and was serving a life sentence.
When and how did Mladić die?
According to the Guardian, Mladić died in prison in late August, aged 84, while serving a life sentence.
Why has the funeral caused international concern?
The Guardian reports that Mladić's hero's return home and the fanfare at his Belgrade funeral raised international alarm and questions for Serbia's EU membership plan.