Commemorations for totalitarian regime victims in Croatia

Commemorations and preparations continue across Croatia and the region for the European Day of Remembrance for the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a major gathering occurred at the Groblje mira (Peace Cemetery) in Bile, near Mostar. Led by Archbishop Dražen Kutleša, the event honored victims of World War II, the Homeland War, and other historical conflicts. The site, marked by over 20,000 white crosses, serves as a memorial for families whose loved ones remain missing. Political leaders, including Dragan Čović and Borjana Krišto, attended the ceremony. Additionally, the 34th anniversary of the Korićanske stijene massacre was observed, commemorating the 1992 execution of 224 Bosniak and Croat civilians by Serbian forces.

In Croatia, local communities held various memorial services. In Međimurje, ceremonies took place at the Sep cemetery in Gornji Hrašćan. In Sisak, events marked the anniversary of the liberation of the Barutana barracks. Other regional commemorations were held in Vodice, Virovitica-Podravina, and Split, where the book ‘Pakao se zove Jazovka’ was presented to discuss the victims of the Jazovka pit.

In Petrinja, a ceremony was held at the St. Benedict City Cemetery, organized by the Udruga Hrvatski domobran Petrinja. The event included candle lighting and prayer led by Rev. Josip Samaržija. Petrinja Deputy Mayor Tea Rambovsek Aleksić attended, stating that society must condemn any system that strips individuals of their “fundamental rights, freedom, and dignity.” Organizers also referenced the 2006 Declaration condemning crimes committed during the totalitarian communist regime in Croatia between 1945 and 1990.