RATKO MLADIC ON A GIFT POSTER

Open Letter

09/26/2006 , HCHRS

The gift poster the Glas Javnosti daily offered to its readership in the issue of Monday, September 25, 2006, opens up some serious questions for which the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia and the Lawyers' Committee for Human Rights demands answers and explanation from the police, the Army of Serbia and the National Council for the Cooperation with The Hague Tribunal.

Firstly, how was it possible that an "anonymous" civilian freely flaunts the poster with a life-size picture of the most wanted fugitive from the tribunal in The Hague, Ratko Mladic, at the parade of graduate officers of the Army of Serbia and in the presence of the highest state officials? Why President Boris Tadic and Premier Vojislav Kostunica, specifically asked to react, keep silent?

Secondly, the question is whether the Glas Javnosti published the picture of Ratko Mladic on its own soon after the parade. The daily that has tested not only the public but also the state for a week came to conclusion that issuing the poster was allowed. The opponents of cooperation with The Hague have thus demonstrated their superiority over those who advocate it.

Thirdly, the question arises whether in 2006 Serbia reacts to those glorifying war crimes only under the pressure of the international community.

Belgrade, September 26, 2006

HCHRS