Serbian politician faces severe threats after paying tribute to Srebrenica genocide victims

Speaking to N1, Cirkovic explained that he traveled to Potocari as both a human being and a politician to pay his respects on the 31st anniversary of the genocide against Bosniaks. He emphasized that building a shared future in the 21st century requires confronting the past and condemning individual perpetrators, noting that one cannot discuss historical suffering without acknowledging crimes committed against others.

The photo of his tribute, posted on his Facebook account, sparked immediate outrage online, forcing him to disable comments due to highly disturbing threats targeting his deceased mother, children, and grandchildren. Commenters labeled him a traitor, with some threatening physical confrontation in his hometown. Despite the hostility, Cirkovic noted he received twice as many supportive reactions and expressions of solidarity.

A veteran of the 63rd Parachute Brigade, Cirkovic stated he does not fear for his personal safety but remains concerned for his family. He chose not to report the threats to the police, citing a lack of trust in the institution and noting that one threatening commenter appeared to be wearing a police uniform.

Cirkovic served as the president of Medijana from 2004 to 2012. Medijana is currently recognized as the only opposition-led municipality in Serbia, where his coalition participates in the local government. This backlash occurred as Potocari marked the anniversary of the 1995 genocide, where Bosnian Serb forces systematically murdered over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys.