Ratko Mladić’s death in The Hague triggered numerous reactions and analyses worldwide. Professor David Pettigrew, an expert in genocide and human rights studies, spoke on N1 with Esmir Milavić about the legacy of the convicted war criminal, the dangers of his glorification and parallels with today’s global crises.
When asked about his stance on global media describing Mladić as “butcher of Bosnia”, Pettigrew emphasized that the title is entirely appropriate considering the gravity of the verdicts.
“He is convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity, and violations of the laws and customs of war. He held a command position and was included in four joint criminal enterprises, including the genocide in Srebrenica and the siege of Sarajevo,” said Pettigrew, adding that genocidal intentions of creating a “Greater Serbia” had violent consequences across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Hiding from the Justice and (In) Efficiency of The Hague
Commenting on Mladić’s and Radovan Karadžić’s long-term hiding, the professor explained that they never considered themselves guilty, but rather leaders of a “ noble endeavor to create ethnically homogenous territory,” which is why part of the population sees them as heroes today.
Reflecting on the work of the International Criminal Tribunal (ICTY), Pettigrew admitted that the process was slow, and many sentences were too lenient, which enabled criminals to return home and be welcomed as heroes after serving two-thirds of their sentences. However, he emphasized the crucial importance of the Tribunal in creating an archive of victims’ testimonies and detailed documentation of the crimes, as well as the fact that ultimately life sentences for genocide were handed down.
Glorification of War Criminals Destroys Social Fabric
A particular problem of today’s world is the glorification of war criminals, especially among younger generations. Pettigrew warned that announcements of a state funeral with military honors in Serbia and support rallies chanting Mladić’s name present direct genocide denial.
“This sends a wrong message to present and future generations. Such glorification requires a response with the harshest possible sanctions against Serbia and Republika Srpska,” said the American professor.
Pettigrew directly called on the High Representative to take on the initiative and remove murals dedicated to Mladić, citing the one at the entrance to Kalinovik, which reads “Hero Town” as the most obvious example.
“This destroys the social fabric and sows the seeds for the repetition of the crimes,” he warned, emphasizing the necessity of erecting memorials at the sites of former concentration camps, such as Omarska, Foča, Kalinovik, to change the cultural narrative.
From the Balkans to Gaza: Lessons We Failed to Learn
At the end of the conversation, a parallel was drawn with the current situation in Gaza, where we daily witness documented crimes against civilians. Pettigrew agreed with the statement that the international community is failing once again, despite proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The lack of efficient international intervention, the professor concludes, demonstrates the urgent need for the world to finally take responsibility and protect civilians from further suffering, N1 writes.
