Montenegrin prosecution open case against bishop Metodije over Mladic praise

The institution headed by Dusko Milanovic confirmed to Vijesti media outlet that a case has been opened against Metodije for the criminal offense of inciting national, racial, and religious hatred.

"We would like to inform you that by checking the official records in the High State Prosecutor's Office in Podgorica, it was determined that a case was formed against the Metropolitan of Budimlja-Niksic Metodije due to the criminal offense of inciting national, racial, and religious hatred," the prosecutor's office stated in its response to the newsroom.

During a service on August 28 at the Piva Monastery, Metropolitan Metodije stated that the people recognized in Mladic "all those wonderful and holy characteristics of Serbian warriors and knights."

"May the Most Holy Mother of God, whose Dormition we celebrate, elevate his soul among all the holy Serbian knights, the famous General Ratko," he said.

According to an announcement published on the website of the Diocese of Budimlja-Niksic, a memorial service for "the newly departed servant of God, General Ratko Mladic," was held immediately following the liturgy.

Mladic, whom the Hague Tribunal found guilty of the Srebrenica genocide, crimes against humanity, and violations of the laws and customs of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, passed away on August 27 and was buried in Belgrade.