Ten years since the murder of Denis Mrnjavac, authorities still haven't erected a memorial

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Ten years ago, on his way from school to home, 17-year-old Denis Mrnjavac was killed in a Sarajevo tram. His mother Ana, family members and friends gathered in the youth association “Denis Mrnjavac” laid flowers in his memory at the Technical School tram stop.

Denis was beaten and then stabbed to death in a Sarajevo tram by his peers. Allegedly, they were bothered by just a look from this boy, who was attending the second grade of high school.   

The Supreme Court of the Federation of BiH sentenced Ademir Lelović to 15 years and Berin Talić to ten years in prison for aiding Nermin Sikirić, who was previously sentenced to 10 years in prison, which is the maximum sentence that can be imposed on a minor.

Denis became a symbol of the fight against peer violence. Citizens took to the streets several times, demanding changes to the law, greater safety, and freedom. 

After laying flowers, a visit to Denis's final resting place in Lepenica will be organized. 

What additionally disturbs the family and friends of the murdered Denis, even ten years later, is the unfulfilled promise to create a memorial where tribute could be paid, so that this would no longer be done at the tram stop.

Denis's mother Ana repeats year after year that young people must learn a lesson from her loss.

- We are here again after ten years. I hear that for everyone it passed very quickly, but for me it is truly difficult and sad, all of this has been long and too long for me, every day feels like a year. We all look at time and events from different perspectives. I thought this tragedy would be a warning for everyone in this city, primarily for young people prone to delinquency and violence, but we are witnesses that such things still happen every day - said Ana Mrnjavac.

The commemoration of the anniversary of Mrnjavac's murder was also attended by representatives of the Assembly of the Sarajevo Canton, the City of Sarajevo, and the Centar Municipality.