Serbian footballer arrested in Croatia over Mladić photo

A Serbian footballer, identified as B. J. (37) from Sombor, was arrested in Croatia during a football match in Bolman. The arrest followed a social media post on September 4, where he shared a photograph of Ratko Mladić on his Facebook story.

According to the Veritas Documentation-Information Center and the Association of Serbs in the Region, the post was visible for only 24 hours but served as the basis for legal action. After being issued a one-day entry ban, the player entered Croatia via Hungary to play for the club Jovan Lazić. During halftime of a match on September 20, he was arrested in front of teammates and spectators.

A court subsequently found him guilty of disturbing public order and peace, citing the photograph as the sole evidence. He was ordered to pay a fine of 1,500 euros and received a three-month ban from entering the European Union. Veritas described the incident as a potential precedent for the intimidation of Serbs in Croatia, noting that recent changes to laws have significantly increased fine amounts.