Genocide Victims Demand Removal of Mural Depicting War Criminal Mladić from Banja Luka's 'Čistoća'

(Patria) - The Association of Victims and Witnesses of Genocide has sent a letter to the company "Čistoća" AD Banja Luka, demanding the immediate removal of a mural depicting the final convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić.

The letter demands that "Čistoća", within its jurisdiction, urgently take action to remove the mural placed on the building of the "Mozaik prijateljstva" soup kitchen, part of the municipal building in Banja Luka's Mejdan neighborhood.

"We consider the installation and maintenance of such murals to be contrary to basic civilizational values, representing an insult to victims and their families, and contributing to deepening divisions and spreading hatred in society.

Glorification of war criminals seriously undermines the dignity of victims and threatens the processes of reconciliation and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina," the Association stated.

They reminded the aforementioned company that, in accordance with the Law on Prohibition of Denial of Genocide and Glorification of War Criminals in BiH, it is obliged to remove the said mural and prevent any further glorification of convicted war criminals.

"We expect 'Čistoća' AD Banja Luka, in line with its jurisdiction and legal obligations, to urgently remove the said mural and thus demonstrate commitment to respecting the law, the values of coexistence, and building a society free of hatred and intolerance.

If this request is not acted upon, we will be forced to turn to competent domestic and international institutions," the Association of Victims and Witnesses of Genocide stated.