Before the well-known civilian casualties in Sarajevo at the Markale market in the wartime years of 1994 and 1995, and at the Kapija in Tuzla, this had already happened in Srebrenica in 1993, a few days before the United Nations (UN) declared it a “safe zone,” but for years, for unknown reasons, this massacre was not talked about.
Yesterday in Srebrenica, at the school playground complex, a commemorative program marked the tragic April 12th, 1993 – the date when, 32 years ago, 74 people were killed on the spot by shells fired from the positions of the Army of the Republika Srpska (VRS), while more than 100 were wounded.
The total number of victims rose to 105 because many of the wounded died on the way to the hospital or in the hospital itself. Most of those who died were young people, civilians who had gathered on the school playgrounds in front of the elementary and high school to attend a futsal tournament.
As part of the official program, after the Bosnian and Herzegovinian (BiH) national anthem was played and the Al-Fatiha recited, a historical lesson was held, during which Adem Mehmedovic spoke.
“No one has been held accountable for the crime, although it is well known who committed it. In a document from the VRS dated April 12th, 1993, number 01-580-214/93, in a memo to the Drina Corps from the Bratunac brigade, it states – at 2 p.m. and at 4 p.m. we opened fire with all artillery weapons on the line Zuti most – Potocari – Srebrenica,” said Adem Mehmedovic and ended his speech with the words: “Four days later, the UN adopts Resolution 819, which declares Srebrenica a protected zone. It would have been better if it hadn’t.”
Her testimony in remembrance of that day was shared with those present by Fazila Efendic, President of the “Mothers of Srebrenica” Association, which organized yesterday’s commemoration:
“Terrible, terrible – every memory of this day is distressing, and I beg you not to forget. The mothers are nearing the end of their lives, and not only should they remember, but the younger ones should remember too. Don’t forget what happened to us, our people, the citizens of Srebrenica, and not only Srebrenica,” emphasized Fazila Efendic.
Brief remarks were also given to those present by Adem Zolota on behalf of the Ministry of Defense of BiH, Minister Fadil Alic on behalf of the Government of Tuzla Canton (TC), as well as the President of the Srebrenica Municipal Assembly, Almir Dudic, N1 writes.
