Ljubljana municipality challenges military grave law

The City Municipality of Ljubljana (MOL) has filed a request with the Constitutional Court for a review of the recently amended law regarding hidden military graves. The municipality has also requested a temporary suspension of the law's implementation.

The amendment, passed by Parliament on May 26 and effective as of June 4, includes provisions for issuing death certificates, managing biological samples and DNA profiles for victim identification, and establishing rules for the respectful transfer and burial of remains.

Vido Čadonič Špelič, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defense, stated that the ministry does not see grounds for the requested suspension or review. She noted that the ministry has completed necessary activities to begin the burial process and has communicated with the Žale public company. However, the ministry has not yet met with Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković, noting that a formal agreement with the municipality is required to designate burial sites within the Žale cemetery.