Serbian war criminal Ratko Mladic to be buried with 'state honours'

Live updates

1. 33d ago

   EU Commission chief expresses horror over Ratko Mladic state funeral

   European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday that she was horrified by the state honors given to Ratko Mladic. Despite the condemnation, von der Leyen is holding off on taking specific measures against Serbia. Mladic died on August 27 while serving a life sentence for genocide and war crimes. The funeral in Belgrade saw thousands of attendees and the presence of Serbian ministers, contradicting earlier promises that no serving officials would attend the ceremony.

   Why it matters

   Mladic is viewed as a martyr by some Bosnian Serbs despite his international convictions. The honors bestowed during his burial challenge Serbia's alignment with European Union values. This tension complicates Serbia's ongoing bid for EU membership.

   What is confirmed

   • Ratko Mladic died on August 27 while serving a life sentence for genocide and war crimes.
   • Serbian ministers attended Mladic's funeral despite previous assurances that no serving officials would be present.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ursula von der Leyen is holding off on taking measures against Serbia.
   • Some Serbs revere Ratko Mladic as a martyr.

   What to watch next

   • Formal EU sanctions or diplomatic penalties against Serbian officials
   • Official Serbian government response to Ursula von der Leyen's statements
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. theconversation.com — Ratko Mladić: the war criminal who became a martyr for Bosnian Serbs
   2. saudigazette.com.sa — European Commission chief 'horrified' by Mladić funeral but holds off on Serbia measures
   confidence 90%
2. 40d ago

   Serbia buries Ratko Mladic with state honors despite EU warnings

   Serbia conducted a state funeral for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic in Belgrade, defying warnings from the European Union. Thousands attended the ceremony where Mladic's coffin arrived draped in the national flag with his medals on display. Serbian ministers attended the event despite previous assurances that no serving officials would be present. EU leaders expressed shock at the honors given to the general, who died on August 27 while serving a life sentence for genocide and war crimes. The event has raised doubts regarding Serbia's bid for EU membership.

   Why it matters

   Mladic commanded Bosnian Serb forces during the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Hague tribunal convicted him of war crimes and genocide. Serbia has historically remained defensive about its support for Bosnian Serb forces during that war.

   What is confirmed

   • Thousands of people attended the funeral of Ratko Mladic in Belgrade.
   • Serbia provided state and military honors for the burial despite warnings from the European Union.
   • EU officials expressed shock and condemnation regarding the funeral honors.
   • Ratko Mladic died while serving a life sentence for war crimes.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The funeral honors have raised doubts over Serbia's EU membership bid.
   • Serbian ministers attended despite earlier assurances that no serving officials would be present.

   What to watch next

   • Official EU response regarding Serbia's membership bid status
   • Further diplomatic actions following the cancellation of Marta Kos's visit
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.yahoo.com — Thousands attend Bosnian Serb war criminal's funeral in Belgrade despite EU warnings
   2. www.sbs.com.au — Serbia buries Mladic with full honours despite EU warning | Morning News Bulletin 8 September 2026
   3. apnews.com — EU leaders condemn Serbia’s funeral honors for Ratko Mladic, raising doubts over membership bid
   4. politicstoday.org — War Criminal Ratko Mladic Buried With Military Honors as Serbia Defies EU Warnings
   confidence 95%
3. 42d ago

   Ratko Mladic Lies in State in Belgrade Ahead of Burial

   Convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic lies in state in Belgrade on Monday, drawing thousands of mourners to a church ahead of his burial with state honours at Topčider Cemetery. The former Bosnian Serb commander died on August 27 while serving a life sentence handed down by The Hague tribunal for genocide and war crimes committed during the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina. His state-backed repatriation and funeral plans have triggered severe condemnation from European Union officials, resulting in the cancellation of a high-profile visit by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and sparking intense diplomatic friction.

   Why it matters

   Ratko Mladic led the Army of Republika Srpska during the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s, earning the moniker 'Butcher of Bosnia' for overseeing Europe's worst genocide since World War II, including the Srebrenica massacre. Serbia's decision to grant him military and state honours highlights ongoing political tensions over war crimes legacies in the region. The state-backed funeral arrangements underscore the deep divisions between Belgrade and European Union authorities regarding accountability and historical memory.

   What is confirmed

   • Ratko Mladic died on August 27 while serving a life sentence for war crimes and genocide.
   • The former Bosnian Serb commander is lying in state in Belgrade on Monday.
   • Mladic will be buried with state honours at Belgrade's Topčider Cemetery following a funeral service at the Church of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke in Košutnjak.
   • Thousands of citizens gathered outside the church on Monday to view the coffin and pay their respects.
   • EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled her visit to Serbia in response to the state honours.

   What to watch next

   • Further official statements or diplomatic measures from the European Union regarding Serbia's state honours for Mladic.
   • Security and attendance details from the funeral service at Topčider Cemetery.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. apnews.com — Body of war criminal Mladic lies in state in Serbian capital ahead of funeral
   2. www.rferl.org — Bosnian Serb War Criminal Ratko Mladic To Be Buried In Belgrade
   3. www.mirror.co.uk — 'Butcher of Bosnia' Ratko Mladic lies in state ahead of funeral for Srebrenica genocide general
   4. www.france24.com — Thousands of mourners gather in Belgrade for war criminal Mladic's funeral
   5. www.serbianmonitor.com — Ratko Mladić’s funeral – Thousands of citizens gather outside the church where the coffin with Ratko Mladić’s body is displayed
   confidence 100%
4. 43d ago

   Serbia to bury Ratko Mladic with state honours

   Serbia is granting military and state honours to Ratko Mladic, a convicted war criminal, sparking condemnation from European Union members and officials. The EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled her visit to Serbia in response. Mladic's body was repatriated using a state aircraft and ministerial presence.

   Why it matters

   The controversy centres on Serbia's actions towards Mladic, who was convicted of genocide by a UN court. Many Serbs still view him as a hero. The move has raised concerns about Serbia's commitment to international justice and its relations with the EU.

   What is confirmed

   • EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled her visit to Serbia
   • Ratko Mladic was convicted of genocide by a UN court
   • Mladic remains a hero to many Serbs
   • Belgium, Ireland, and Croatia have criticized Serbia's decision

   What to watch next

   • Further EU action against Serbia
   • Serbia's response to international criticism
   • Impact on Serbia's EU accession talks
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.nbcnews.com — Serbia accused of ‘glorifying’ convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić ahead of funeral
   2. www.irishexaminer.com — Shona Murray: Serbia's honouring of Ratko Mladic a sign Europe's post-war pact is under threat
   3. www.theglobeandmail.com — EU official cancels Serbia visit over glorification of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic’s death
   4. sg.news.yahoo.com — Village remembers snowstorm crash pilot
   confidence 100%
5. 45d ago

   EU officials condemn Serbian state honours for Ratko Mladic

   European Union members and officials are condemning Serbia's decision to grant military and state honours to convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled her Friday visit to Serbia in response. Belgium and Ireland have joined Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in criticizing the move, with Irish Minister of State Thomas Byrne calling the 1990s Balkan events abhorrent. The controversy centers on Serbia's use of a state aircraft and ministerial presence to repatriate the body of the man convicted of genocide.

   Why it matters

   Ratko Mladic served as a Bosnian Serb general and was convicted of war crimes and genocide, including the Srebrenica massacre. Serbia's decision to provide official honours for his burial tests its commitment to reconciling its past. This friction directly impacts Serbia's ongoing bid for European Union membership.

   What is confirmed

   • Serbia's justice minister stated Ratko Mladic would receive military and state honours.
   • EU officials and regional leaders have criticized the planned honours for Mladic.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ireland considers a state funeral for Mladic unacceptable to the EU.
   • The use of a state aircraft for the repatriation of Mladic's body has deepened EU accession disputes.

   What to watch next

   • Official response from the Serbian government regarding the cancelled EU visit.
   • Further diplomatic actions or sanctions from EU member states.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.trtworld.com — Belgium condemns military honours for Bosnian Serb war criminal Mladic
   2. www.bgnes.com — Ireland: State Funeral for Mladić Unacceptable to EU
   3. eutoday.net — Serbia’s role in Mladić repatriation deepens EU accession dispute
   4. eualive.net — EU enlargement commissioner cancels Serbia visit over Mladić honours
   confidence 90%
6. 46d ago

   Croatia warns Serbia over state funeral for Ratko Mladic

   Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic warned that Serbia will block its own path to European Union membership if it buries Ratko Mladic with state honours. The former Bosnian Serb general died in custody after being convicted of genocide and war crimes. While Bosnian Serbs have held vigils for the man known as the Butcher of Bosnia, victims and international critics condemn the planned funeral as an act of glorification for the architect of the Srebrenica genocide.

   Why it matters

   Mladic led forces during the Bosnian war and was later convicted of genocide. His death has reopened deep ethnic divisions in the Balkans. The dispute now involves diplomatic tensions between Serbia and Croatia.

   What is confirmed

   • Ratko Mladic died in custody.
   • Mladic was convicted of genocide and war crimes.
   • Serbia plans to bury Mladic with state or highest honours.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A second alleged genocide beyond Srebrenica exists and provides lessons for future cases.

   What to watch next

   • Formal diplomatic responses from the European Union regarding Serbia's accession path.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. monocle.com — The ‘Butcher of Bosnia’ is dead – but divisions live on in the Balkans
   2. observer.co.uk — Butcher’s burial: Ratko Mladić pours salt in old wounds, even in death
   3. eualive.net — Croatian PM: Serbia will close its path to the EU if it buries war criminal Ratko Mladić with honours
   4. www.cfr.org — Mladić and the Genocide That Wasn’t
   confidence 90%
7. 50d ago

   Serbia to bury convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic with state honours

   Serbia will bury former Bosnian Serb general Ratko Mladic with state or highest honours following his death. Convicted of genocide and known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Mladic oversaw atrocities during the Bosnian war. His death has sparked polarized reactions, with hundreds of Bosnian Serbs holding vigils in the Sarajevo region to honour him, while victims condemn the glorification of a man they identify as the architect of the Srebrenica genocide. Reports on his age at death vary between 83 and 84.

   Why it matters

   Mladic was a high-ranking military leader who led forces during the conflict in Bosnia. His legal conviction for genocide established his role in mass killings. The decision to grant him state honours reflects deep ethnic and political divisions that persist in the region.

   What is confirmed

   • Ratko Mladic was a Bosnian Serb general convicted of genocide.
   • Serbia intends to bury Mladic with state or highest honours.
   • Hundreds of Bosnian Serbs held vigils in the Sarajevo region following Mladic's death.
   • Mladic was referred to as the Butcher of Bosnia.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ratko Mladic died at age 83.
   • Ratko Mladic died at age 84.

   What to watch next

   • Official announcement of the burial date and location
   • Formal diplomatic reactions from Bosnia and Herzegovina or international bodies
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. The New York Times — Ratko Mladic, Murderous ‘Butcher of Bosnia,’ Dies at 83
   2. NPR — Ratko Mladic, ex-Bosnian Serb warlord who oversaw atrocities in Bosnia, has died at 84
   3. Reuters — Bosnian Serb general Ratko Mladic, convicted of genocide, has died, Serbian TV reports
   4. BBC — Allan Little: I met dangerously fanatical Mladić early in Bosnian war
   5. France 24 — Serbian war criminal Ratko Mladic to be buried with 'state honours'
   6. CNN — Serbia says convicted war criminal Mladić to be buried with ‘highest honors’
   7. New Lines Magazine — The House Ratko Mladić Could Not Destroy
   8. Al Jazeera — Timeline: Life of Ratko Mladic, general turned ‘Butcher of Bosnia’
   9. The Conversation — Ratko Mladić is still viewed as a hero by many Bosnian Serbs. It’s a reminder how divided my country remains today
   10. The Guardian — ‘The butcher may be gone, but to many he is a hero’: victims condemn glorification of Mladić
   11. apnews.com — Hundreds of Bosnian Serbs attend vigils honouring deceased war criminal Ratko Mladic
   12. www.aljazeera.com — Mladic died a happy man. He won
   confidence 90%