Zukan Helez dismisses two BiH soldiers for glorifying Ratko Mladić

Bosnia and Herzegovina Defense Minister Zukan Helez has terminated the contracts of two members of the Armed Forces of BiH for glorifying Ratko Mladić, a convicted war criminal. This action brings the total number of sanctioned personnel for such activities to 37. Helez stated that there will be “no tolerance for the glorification of war criminals” within the military and noted that other cases have been referred to the Prosecutor's Office of BiH.

The decision has sparked significant political tension. Savo Minić, President of the Government of Republika Srpska, criticized the move as a “persecution of Serbs.” Conversely, Deputy Defense Minister Aleksandar Goganović challenged the legality of the dismissals, claiming Helez actually suspended the training of two cadets rather than firing them, and argued that proper procedures were not followed. Goganović further alleged that the actions reflect a political campaign rather than impartial justice.