Crimes in Zalazje and suffering of Banja Luka civilians marked on Friday

N1

Friday marks the 27th anniversary of the suffering of 69 Serb civilians and soldiers in the Eastern Bosnian villages of Sase, Biljaca, Zagoni and Zalazje – all in the vicinity of the town of Srebrenica. N1's Slavisa Starcevic, who is in Srebrenica, said the commemoration began at 9 am with a liturgy in a village called Skelani, after which the gathered family members went to the Bratinac Military cemetery.

In addition to the 69 victims, 22 persons went missing on that day, ten of which are still missing.

According to Starcevic, the gathered would not speak to the press because this day is too emotional for them and reminds them of the days when their loved ones were killed in cold blood.

The little that they did say is that what pains them the most is the fact that no one answered for these crimes.

The man who was suspected for these crimes was the former Bosnian Army Commander Naser Oric who was acquitted of all charges in two separate trials.

The gathered family members did, however, say that there will be no reconciliation as long as those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice.

Starcevic notes that one gets the impression that life in Srebrenica is very difficult, but the Head of the Municipality Mladen Grujicic said he does not feel responsible for the situation and that he blames previous local authorities for the present situation.

The northern Bosnian city of Banja Luka also marked the suffering of all civilians in that city by throwing flowers into the river Vrbas which runs through this city.

The gathered locals chanted messages “Never again” and “Let's build peace, together.”

This was the first event within the traditional event called “Embroidered Bridge” which is held for the 16th time.

The event initiator, Atif Turcinhodzic, said his initiative came to life thanks to the help of Safikada choir and many Banja Luka residents and noted that this tradition needs to be preserved.

“My only request is that Youth takes this initiative over,” he added.

In the following days, event participants will lay flowers at the birthplace of the poet Nasiha Kapidzic-Hadzic, and organisers will host a musical poetry evening titles “The bench at the end of the alley.”

When it comes to sports and recreational part of the program, futsal and chess tournaments are planned, as well as rafting and caravans.