Europe, wake up: Munira Subašić and a slap in the face of world hypocrisy, a speech that drowned out the silence of Potočari!

By Amina Čorbo-Zećo

On the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide commemoration, many addressed the audience – from world leaders and representatives of the UN, the European Union, to domestic and regional politicians. Although the words were full of general phrases and diplomatic platitudes, it remained clear that the ideology and politics that led to the genocide still pose a threat today. However, few openly named those responsible.

Denis Bećirović was one of the few who directly accused Serbia and its leaders of their role in this terrible and legally convicted crime – genocide. But the real slap in the face to the international community and the voice that showed what a relentless fight for justice means came from Munira Subašić.

Munira Subašić, a genocide survivor and president of the Association of Mothers of the Srebrenica and Žepa Enclaves, once again proved why the mothers of Srebrenica are a symbol of perseverance, truth, and the fight for justice, even when the state faltered.

Her speech was filled with pain, strength, and unwavering faith in justice. She did not hesitate to lecture the European Union and NATO, reminding them of the decades-long hypocrisy, of the silence and inaction at the moments when the genocide was committed, but also today, as similar atrocities unfold before their eyes, such as those in Gaza. Along with Munira, only the President of Turkey, Erdogan, and the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament mentioned Gaza that day.

"If you love us, if you have repented, why don't you admit us to the EU, why don't you admit us to NATO? We belong there, not in this darkness," Subašić clearly and loudly stated.

A strong message and a difficult question, and the answer is clear: the hypocrisy of the international community continues today, and we witnessed this 30 years after the genocide.

Munira spoke of thousands of children killed simply for being Bosniaks, including her youngest son Nermin, of 5,500 orphans, of pain that cannot be erased. She pointed out that the world and Europe, instead of condemning, applauded and assisted in these crimes back then.

The mothers of Srebrenica did not give up. They are the voice of justice and truth, pointing out the crime and demanding punishment even when the international community neglected its moral and legal duty.

Munira reminded that this fight is not only for the past but for the future of all of us, for a world without hatred, without denial of genocide, and without the repetition of tragedies.

This speech was not just a message to those present in Potočari, but a call to the entire world; justice can be challenged, but it will never be extinguished as long as there is the strength and will of people like Munira Subašić, mothers who will not stop seeking truth and justice for their loved ones.

Therefore, let her closing words echo through the field of death, but also throughout the world:

'Europe, wake up, it is the 21st century and instead of justice, fascism has begun to awaken. How far we will go, I don't know'.