Bužim cyclists on memorial route: Paying tribute to the victims of Tuzla Gate

(Patria) - Members of the Bužim Cycling Club have embarked on a memorial cycling route from Bužim to Tuzla, to pay tribute tomorrow to the victims of the Tuzla Gate massacre, one of the most tragic crimes against civilians during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The memorial journey began at Alija Izetbegović Square in Bužim, where the cyclists were seen off by Mayor Mersudin Nanić, wishing them a safe journey and a dignified representation of Bužim on this symbolic journey of remembrance.

On this occasion, Nanić emphasized the importance of preserving the culture of remembrance and paying tribute to innocent victims of war, stating that Bužim and its citizens are once again demonstrating patriotism, responsibility, and respect for all those who suffered.

- The innocent victims of Tuzla Gate should be a lasting reminder of the pain and sacrifice they endured, but also of our obligation to foster peace, unity, and a culture of remembrance so that such tragedies never happen to anyone, anywhere – Nanić stated.

A shell fired from Ozren on May 25, 1995, at 8:55 PM, killed 71 people and wounded more than 170. The average age of the killed was 23, and the youngest victim was two-year-old Sandro Kalesić.

Novak Đukić was finally sentenced to 20 years in prison for this crime, but he is not serving his sentence because he is in Serbia, which refuses to extradite him.