March 10, 2019: Višegrad – 'Chetnik Celebration' on Land Where Blood of Victims Springs
On March 10, 2019, members of the Ravna Gora Chetnik Movement gathered in Višegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina, to honor Draža Mihailović, a notorious figure linked to war crimes in the region.
On March 10, 2019, a controversial gathering took place in Višegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where members of the Ravna Gora Chetnik Movement came together to commemorate Draža Mihailović. Mihailović, a WWII-era figure, was known for his role in the war crimes committed during the conflict, and his arrest occurred in the vicinity of this town on March 13, 1946. This celebration sparked outrage among descendants of the victims who suffered from Chetnik atrocities throughout the 20th century.
During the event, a memorial was unveiled in honor of Mihailović, an act that brought together not only Chetnik supporters but also representatives from the Serbian Orthodox Church. Such gatherings have been occurring for years in Višegrad, which holds a symbolic significance for Chetnik followers due to its historical connections to Mihailović's past and the violent legacy of the Chetnik movement. The organizers claim that their activities are merely a celebration of heritage and history, despite the overwhelming condemnation from various cultural groups and victims' associations.
The Serbian authorities have been criticized for their handling of these events, as they are perceived as part of a larger trend of rehabilitating historical figures associated with Nazi collaborations during WWII. This celebration of Mihailović raises critical questions regarding national identity, historical memory, and reconciliation in the post-war Balkans, where the scars of past conflicts continue to affect contemporary society.