Thirty years after genocide: Natasa Kandic on denial, influence of war criminals, and civic resistance in Serbia

“For months now, convicted war criminal Vojislav Seselj has dominated the media and wields significant influence over the President of Serbia. The authorities have remained silent even after Seselj announced that he plans to promote his book The Liberation of Srebrenica on July 11 at Republic Square,” Kandic told FENA.

Despite what she described as the current Serbian leadership’s “uncivilised behaviour,” Kandic highlighted that civil society, non-governmental organisations, foundations, and artists will honour the Srebrenica genocide victims with a range of commemorative events this year.

Among the events marking the Day of Remembrance are two theatrical productions by Hartefakt House: They Are No More and Flowers of Srebrenica. The program also includes the launch of Dragan Popović’s book Losing Humanity, and a panel discussion on Srebrenica – As a Historical Fact at the Krokodil Festival.

Additionally, Women in Black will stage a performance titled We Will Never Forget the Genocide in Srebrenica. There will be a candlelight vigil and an art installation called Mother’s Scarf at Republic Square in Belgrade. An independent media project will also broadcast the names of the 8,372 victims of the genocide.

The Humanitarian Law Centre will present a new dossier on July 15 titled Tomislav Kovac, detailing the involvement of Republika Srpska police and Kovač’s personal role in carrying out the genocide in Srebrenica.

“These events represent not only remembrance, but also a counterpoint to the ongoing culture of denial,” Kandic concluded.