Bosnia and Herzegovina dismisses two soldiers for glorifying Mladić — Balkan Insight

The Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina has dismissed two servicemen following an internal investigation into “ethnonationalist violations” in the armed forces. Defence Minister Zukan Helez signed the documents on their dismissal, Balkan Insight reports.

Investigation into 37 military personnel

The dismissed servicemen were part of a group of 37 people whom Helez reported to the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina this month in connection with actions glorifying Ratko Mladić. Mladić was convicted of genocide and other wartime crimes.

According to the publication, Mladić died last month in a UN prison in the Netherlands at the age of 84 while serving his sentence. He was buried in Belgrade with military honours.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Ten of the 37 cases were classified as criminal offences and referred to state prosecutors along with supporting materials. The remaining cases were sent to judicial authorities to determine whether they may involve additional criminal liability under national legislation.

Defence minister’s position

Helez said that during his time in office, there would be no tolerance in the armed forces for glorifying war criminals. According to him, the military must be an institution trusted by all citizens and must respect victims, legal norms and the values of lasting peace.

Under the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina, public denial of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes established by binding decisions of international and national courts is illegal. The punishment may be up to five years in prison.