Timeline: Life of Ratko Mladic, general turned ‘Butcher of Bosnia’

Live updates

1. 16d ago

   Convicted Bosnian Serb General Ratko Mladic Dies

   Ratko Mladic, a former Bosnian Serb general convicted of genocide, has died. While victims condemn the glorification of the man known as the Butcher of Bosnia, Serbian authorities announced he will be buried with highest honors. The Serbian president has criticized the UN court for not allowing Mladic to return home to die. His death highlights deep national divisions, as many Bosnian Serbs continue to view the former warlord as a hero despite his convictions for overseeing atrocities during the Bosnian war.

   Why it matters

   Mladic led Bosnian Serb forces during the Bosnian war and was later convicted of genocide. His actions earned him the moniker Butcher of Bosnia. The reaction to his death reflects the ongoing ethnic and political fractures in the region.

   What is confirmed

   • Ratko Mladic was a Bosnian Serb general convicted of genocide.
   • Serbia intends to bury Mladic with highest honors.
   • Mladic is described by some as the Butcher of Bosnia.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ratko Mladic died at age 83.
   • Ratko Mladic died at age 84.
   • The Serbian president criticized the UN court for not releasing Mladic to die at home.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation of the exact date and age of death
   • Details regarding the burial ceremony in Serbia
   Sources used for this update (11)

   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. CNN — Serbia says convicted war criminal Mladić to be buried with ‘highest honors’
   6. AP News — Serbia’s president criticizes UN court for not releasing war criminal Mladic to die at home
   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. Al Jazeera — Mladic died a happy man. He won
   confidence 80%