Thousands of mourners have gathered in Belgrade for the funeral of Ratko Mladić, a Serbian general convicted of orchestrating the worst massacre in Europe since the second world war, and whose hero’s return home has raised international alarm.
Known as the “Butcher of Bosnia” for his role during the Balkans genocide in the 1990s, Mladić died in prison in late August aged 84 while serving a life sentence for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Mladić remained a beloved figure among many Serbians, including politicians, and his coffin was flown to Serbia on a government plane, draped in national flags and carried from the plane by uniformed soldiers. As his casket was driven from the airport, men gathered by roads and displayed banners honouring Mladić.
On Monday, thousands of people gathered in front of a small church in the Serbian capital to pay their respects to Mladić. Armed forces stood guard at his casket, on top of which was laid his signature military hat as well as a sword. A display of medals lay in front.
Outside the church, Serbian flags had been hung nearby, and a huge banner unfurled across the street read: “Welcome, General, thanks be to your mother for bearing a hero.” » | Oliver Holmes | Monday, September 7, 2026
