Republika Srpska marks 84th Kozara battle anniversary amid calls against genocide denial in Bosnia

The 84th anniversary of the World War II Battle of Kozara was commemorated at a memorial site near Prijedor, with Republika Srpska officials, including President of the National Assembly Nenad Stevandić and Prime Minister Savo Minić, and Serbian government representatives attending. Serbian Minister Đorđe Todorov described the battle as a genocide of the Serbian people, citing roughly 40,000 civilian deaths, 68,000 deportations and the loss of over 23,000 children.

Separately, Professor David Pettigrew warned that persistent genocide denial and the glorification of convicted war criminals in Bosnia and Herzegovina undermine transitional justice. He highlighted the absence of memorials at sites such as Barutni magacin in Kalinovik, Kravica Warehouse, and the Partizan Sports Hall, as well as a mural praising Ratko Mladić that violates Bosnian law. Pettigrew criticized recent U.S. policy shifts, including the lifting of sanctions on Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik, arguing that such actions hinder efforts to honor victims and prevent future atrocities.