Bosnian General salutes Serbian anthem at Belgrade Parade

Photos and footage show Knezevic standing directly behind Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic. According to protocol, Knezevic is expected to salute only the Bosnian national anthem, as his oath of service binds him exclusively to Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, video evidence shows him saluting during the Serbian anthem at the event (timestamp 10:27).

It remains unclear whether Knezevic received authorization from Bosnia’s Ministry of Defense, particularly as he wore the insignia of his home country’s armed forces on his uniform.

Speculation has surfaced suggesting that State Defense Minister Zukan Helez may have approved Knezevic’s attendance, but N1 reached out for comment and received no response by the time of publication.

The move has raised further questions as Helez and Bosnia’s Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic previously announced a protest note to Serbia and the suspension of all military cooperation with Belgrade. That decision followed a controversial incident when Minister Gasic failed to stand during the Bosnian anthem at a ceremony marking the anniversary of the Third Infantry Regiment of the Armed Forces of BiH. At the time, Helez demanded an official apology from Serbia.

The parade in Serbia comes at a politically and security-sensitive moment, both domestically and regionally. Analysts describe the event as President Vucic’s attempt to project strength amid months of citizen- and student-led protests that have shaken his authority.

In addition to Knezevic, the parade was also attended by several politicians from Republika Srpska, including Milorad Dodik, former President of the entity, Nenad Stevandic, leader of United Srpska, and Zeljka Cvijanovic, a member of Bosnia’s Presidency.