Celebration of Anti-Fascist Victory in Banja Luka Amidst Chetnik Street Names

BANJA LUKA, (Patria) - The President of the BiH entity Republika Srpska, Željka Cvijanović, laid a wreath today in Banja Luka on the occasion of City Day at the Monument to Fallen Fighters of the National Liberation War from World War II.

Cvijanović congratulated all citizens on City Day and stated that it is a very important day because, as she said, freedom was brought to all residents of Banja Luka at that time, emphasizing that it was a struggle for lofty goals and ideals that brought great freedom.

A large number of citizens and public figures pointed out on social networks the illogicality of celebrating Banja Luka Day at a time when several streets in Banja Luka bear the names of Chetniks, who fought against the liberators of Banja Luka, i.e., the Partisans, during World War II.

Blogger Srđan Puhalo wrote on Twitter: „On this day in 1945, the Partisans liberated Banja Luka, only for their grandchildren today to name streets after Chetniks.“

Columnist and writer Dragan Bursać wrote: „I am standing on the street of Chetnik Duke Rade Radić and reading how Banja Luka was liberated by the Partisans on this day in '45. Are you sure that Banja Luka was liberated by the Partisans? I mean, are you sure that Banja Luka was liberated at all? I am not!“

Vojin Mijatović from the SDP stated: „On this day in 1945, Banja Luka was liberated by anti-fascists. It seems they will have to do it again! I am proud of you, my beloved city, freedom will come again! Death to fascism - freedom to the people!“

In Banja Luka, since the last war, the names of many streets have been changed, so collaborators with the occupiers in World War II, Chetnik Duke Uroš Drenović, Chetnik Duke Rade Radić, as well as the Ravna Gora Movement, have also received their names on signs and plaques.