Denis Mrnjavac's Mother: Nothing has changed, innocent children are still being killed

(Patria) - By laying flowers in front of Denis Mrnjavac's photograph at the tram stop near the US Embassy in Sarajevo, the 15th anniversary of the tragic murder of the then minor Mrnjavac was marked today.

On February 5, 2008, on his way back from school, Denis was attacked in a tram by three minors – Nermin Sikirić, Ademir Lelović, and Berin Talić, who inflicted severe bodily injuries on him, from which he died the following day.

Fifteen years later – Denis has not been forgotten. He lives not only in the memories of his family but also in the memories of numerous citizens who paid tribute to him today by lighting candles and laying flowers. However, the family emphasizes: We are sorry that the world did not get to know him.

"He was everything to us. He was a good child. He was a wonderful, beautiful, progressive child who had a vision. He did not live to be known by the wider community and the world, and he could have achieved so much in life," said a member of his family who was among the first to lay flowers.

Denis's best classmate, Ivana Bilić, also addressed the attendees. Only by looking at her can we imagine where Denis might be today.

"I have completed several faculties because opportunities were presented to me. Knowing how versatile Denis was, what kind of energy he had – who knows where he would have ended up," she imagines, adding that they had big plans for life.

Denis's mother, Ana Mrnjavac, thanked all those who cherish the memory of her child, writes N1.

"Nothing has changed in this city. The murders of innocent children and peer violence are present. Every such case wounds me again; I thought Denis was a sufficient sacrifice for all innocent children," she says.

However, there are certain positive developments that give hope, she adds, noting that the 'Denis Mrnjavac' award has been established, which, in the form of a sculpture, will be awarded annually to one child from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one child from Republika Srpska and Brčko District, with the aim of promoting positive interpersonal relationships, non-violence, and equality.

"This is a big thing for me – bigger than any monetary value. It is symbolic, but the message is strong, and the award itself can contribute to children starting to think in a different direction," states Mrnjavac.

She also commented on the statements about the possible erection of a memorial to Denis in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"I believe that Mayor Karić will fulfill it. I can be grateful to this city if they realize it," she added.

All of this is, she adds, a certain kind of comfort, and as small steps, such things give hope that we are moving towards something better.

Let us recall that Sikirić was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder, while Ademir Lelović and Berin Talić were sentenced to 15 and 10 years in prison, respectively, for aiding and abetting.