Vucic Won't Attend Mladic's Funeral Over Uzbekistan Visit
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed he will not attend the funeral of Ratko Mladic on September 7 due to a scheduled state visit by Uzbekistan's president, while also stating that Belgrade had unsuccessfully sought permission to transfer Mladic to Serbia before his death.
Consensus
- Ratko Mladic died on August 27 in a UN detention center in The Hague.
- Mladic was serving a life sentence for genocide and other crimes committed during the Bosnian War (1992–1995).
- The funeral of Mladic is scheduled for September 7 in Belgrade.
- A memorial ceremony will be held on September 5 at the House of the Armed Forces in Serbia.
- Aleksandar Vucic, the President of Serbia, will not attend the funeral.
- Vucic cited a pre-scheduled state visit by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Belgrade as the reason for his absence.
- Belgrade had attempted to secure Mladic’s transfer to Serbia before his death, but was denied by The Hague.
Points of divergence
- Vucic avoided giving a direct answer about his personal participation in the funeral, stating he had discussed organizational matters with Mladic’s family. — vesti
- Vucic explicitly stated he would not attend the funeral due to the presidential visit. — vedomosti
- Milorad Dodik, head of the Party of Independent Social Democrats in Republika Srpska, claimed Mladic’s death was an intentional killing. — vedomosti
Coverage (2 sources)
- Vucic evaded answer to question about participation in Ratko Mladic's funeral — Вести
- Serbian President Vucic Will Not Attend General Mladic's Funeral — Ведомости
Key entities
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More on Ratko Mladic
- Mladic's funeral set for Sept. 7 in Belgrade
- Mladic's funeral set for Sept. 7 in Belgrade
- Mladic Denied Medications After Family Refused Euthanasia