The 'Digital Day 2024' conference, themed 'Shape the Future of AI,' will be held on May 21 at the Youth Center in Belgrade. The event aims to foster collaborative dialogues among agencies, media, brands, and technical sides to address challenges and opportunities in the creative industry, particularly the intersection of advertising and artificial intelligence. Key speakers include Piotr Bombol, Karolina Galácz, Dragan Petric, and Danijel Brakus.

Basketball club Partizan did not repay the money it owed to company GIM before the enforcement process began, contrary to club president Ostoja Mijailović's claims. Documents obtained by Nova Ekonomija show that the debt was collected forcibly, with interest increasing the amount from 3.6 million to over five million dinars. The original debt arose from two non-purpose loans totaling 3.6 million dinars provided by GIM to Partizan, with repayment due one year from the contract dates in November and December 2019. Partizan failed to repay for nearly two years, leading GIM to file a lawsuit on September 22, 2022. The first-instance court issued a 'default judgment' on December 1, 2022, when Partizan did not respond to the lawsuit, which was upheld by the Commercial Appellate Court on January 17.

KK Partizan faced legal action for failing to repay a loan from GIM, a company linked to former minister Nebojša Stefanović. The loans, totaling 3.6 million dinars, were intended to be converted into sponsorship but remained as loans, leading to a court ruling in favor of GIM. Despite initial non-compliance, KK Partizan eventually repaid the loan. The case highlights financial and legal challenges within the sports club, with statements from club president Ostoja Mijailović and legal representatives from Ninković & Partners.

YouTube is expanding its efforts to combat ad blocking to mobile devices. In a recent update, YouTube indicated that users accessing videos through third-party ad-blocking apps might encounter buffering issues or error messages stating that the content is not available in the app. Last year, YouTube initiated a global action to encourage users to allow ads or switch to YouTube Premium. The platform has also started disabling videos for users with ad-blocking extensions, as reported by The Verge. YouTube's guidelines prohibit third-party apps from disabling ads, as it prevents creators from earning revenue from viewership. YouTube allows third-party apps to use its API only if they comply with its API Service Terms of Use and takes action against those that violate these terms. The company suggests subscribing to YouTube Premium as an ad-free alternative.

Apple is preparing to launch the new iPhone SE 4 model, promising significant upgrades while remaining affordable. Leaked specifications include a 6.1-inch LTPS OLED screen, 6GB LPDDR5 RAM, and advanced AI photography capabilities. The phone will feature a Snapdragon X70 modem for improved connectivity and an A16 Bionic chip. The design will resemble the iPhone 13 on the front with Face ID support and the iPhone XR on the back with a single camera.

Zvonko Veselinović's company, Novi Pazar-put, continues to win business in Serbia despite being sanctioned by the United States. The company was selected for a stone aggregate supply tender by JKP “Putevi” from Kraljevo, valued at 26.66 million dinars excluding VAT. The tender was divided into four parts, with one part awarded to Mineral RS, owned by Austria's Strabag, and one part cancelled. Novi Pazar-put, owned by Inkop from Ćuprija, which is 60% owned by Zvonko Veselinović and 40% by his brother Žarko, won two parts of the tender. Inkop acquired Novi Pazar-put in 2020, at which time Milan Radoičić was also an owner. Radoičić withdrew from ownership in October 2023 after taking responsibility for an armed attack in the Kosovo village of Banjska. The US Department of the Treasury considers Radoičić and Veselinović to be part of an organized criminal group and has sanctioned them and their companies. Novi Pazar-put has been under sanctions since 2021 but continues to receive public tender jobs in Serbia.

Companies with alleged ties to the Serbian and Hungarian state leadership have been awarded new contracts totaling around 22 million euros for lighting services in Serbia. These contracts are part of public-private partnerships between local governments and private firms. Resalta and Smart Energy Investment, among others, have denied receiving contracts due to political connections. The contracts span 13 to 15 years and involve significant sums paid annually. BIRN has reported on connections between these companies and political figures, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

The Trag Foundation is offering financial support ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 dinars for associations and informal groups aiming to improve their local communities. The program, Active Communities, has been running for 25 years and has supported nearly 700 initiatives across 200 local communities in Serbia. Examples of successful initiatives include community improvements in Donja Trnava near Niš and Padinska Skela near Belgrade, demonstrating the impact of well-organized and motivated citizens.

The Anti-Corruption Agency (ASK) found that Mladen Zec, President of Temerin Municipality, signed a contract on behalf of the municipality with a company co-owned by his brother, Nikola Zec. The contract, worth 150,000 dinars, was for co-financing media content production projects. ASK determined that Mladen Zec prioritized private interest over public duty and failed to report the conflict of interest. Consequently, ASK recommended his dismissal from the position. Mladen Zec has been the President of Temerin Municipality since August 21, 2020.

Key factors contributing to poverty in Serbia include the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and the war in Ukraine. UN agencies, including Unicef, project that 12.1% of Serbia's population, or 800,000 people, live in absolute poverty. Sara Bradaš from the Center for Democracy highlights the lack of reforms and outdated social protection laws, noting that only a small fraction of those in need receive financial aid. She criticizes the restrictive criteria for social assistance and the government's failure to implement effective poverty eradication strategies, suggesting that the most vulnerable groups, such as children, large families, rural populations, the unemployed, and ethnic minorities, are most affected.

The Institute for Fruit Growing in Čačak has calculated the production cost of raspberries for 2024, which experts find rational but producers disagree with. The cost per kilogram varies based on yield per hectare, with significant factors including agrometeorological conditions. Agro-economic analyst Žarko Galetin supports the Institute's calculations but highlights systemic issues in the production and sale chain that the Serbian government has failed to resolve. Producers demand a minimum price of 350 dinars per kilogram due to low stock levels entering the new season.

Numerous farmers in Vojvodina have been defrauded in a loan scandal involving the Provincial Fund for Agricultural Development. The former director, Aleksandar Bogdanović, and several others have been accused of being part of an organized criminal group. Despite being victims of the fraud, farmers are now being asked to repay the full loan amounts with interest, risking the loss of their properties. The fraudulent activities occurred between 2017 and 2021, with the implicated parties allegedly misappropriating significant funds. Legal proceedings are ongoing.

Dragan Glamočić, a professor and former agriculture minister, argues for increased subsidies for livestock farming in Serbia, suggesting it would add more value than grain production and raise grain prices due to higher demand. He criticizes the current subsidy distribution and calls for investment in modern farming equipment to boost productivity. Glamočić highlights the disparity between Serbia and the EU in terms of livestock density and agricultural output, urging a shift from grain export to meat and dairy export. He also emphasizes the importance of livestock farming for soil health and rural development.

The companies 'Jovanjica' and 'Balkan Grow', owned by Predrag Koluvija, have sued API Bank over the premature collection of two loans totaling approximately 1.2 million euros. The lawsuit seeks to halt the execution of two promissory notes that blocked the companies' accounts following Koluvija's arrest in 2019. The case, which has been ongoing since 2020, was returned to the lower court for retrial by the Supreme Court. The companies argue that the investigation against Koluvija should not be grounds for declaring the loans due, as the identity of the company's director cannot be equated with the legal entities. The Supreme Court found that lower courts did not fully establish all relevant facts and returned the case for further proceedings.

Witnesses testified at the Belgrade Higher Court about the abduction and killing of 20 non-Serbs by Serb paramilitary forces in 1993 at the Strpci train station. The victims, mostly Bosniaks, were taken from a train traveling from Belgrade to Bar, Montenegro. The paramilitary unit responsible, known as the Avengers, was led by Milan Lukic. While Lukic has been sentenced to life for other war crimes, the Serbian prosecution has charged five individuals, including Gojko Lukic, for the Strpci abductions. Only two members of the paramilitary group have been convicted for this crime. The trial continues with more testimonies from victims' relatives scheduled.

Dejan Anastasijevic, a renowned Serbian journalist and correspondent for various international media outlets, has passed away in Belgrade after a prolonged illness. Born in 1962, Anastasijevic was known for his fearless reporting on the Yugoslav wars and war crimes, which led to legal troubles and an assassination attempt. He was the first Serbian journalist to testify against former President Slobodan Milosevic at the ICTY. Anastasijevic received numerous awards and wrote several books, with his work continuing up until his final weeks. He was critical of the Serbian government's rehabilitation of war criminals and the erosion of democracy under President Aleksandar Vucic. BIRN honors his memory by highlighting some of his insightful and witty commentaries.

The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM), the Journalists' Association of Serbia (UNS), the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS), and the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation have called on journalists and media professionals to join a joint action on April 11 to mark the 24th anniversary of the murder of Slavko Ćuruvija. The action includes publishing 'The Most Important Unpublished News' and a walk from the 'Kolarac' restaurant in Knez Mihailova Street to the place where Ćuruvija was killed at Svetogorska 35, starting at 5:45 PM. The space under the title 'The Most Important Unpublished News' will be left blank with a note reserved for the news of the verdict for Ćuruvija's murder, which has been awaited for 24 years to be announced. The outcome of the trial, which has been ongoing for nearly nine years, will determine whether the truth will finally come to light or remain hidden.

Belgrade's Mayor, Aleksandar Šapić, announced the relocation of the flea market from Novi Beograd to Miljakovac, where a suitable space owned by the city already exists. The previous plan to move the market to Bežanijska Kosa was abandoned due to legal and property issues. The Miljakovac site was a market from 1984 to 1999 and is owned by JKP Beogradske pijace. Additionally, the reconstruction of Višnjička Street in Karaburma has begun and is expected to be completed in phases by the end of the year. The street will be expanded to six lanes to alleviate traffic congestion. The project's value is estimated at 220 million dinars, and future plans could include a tram line and a metro line.

The European Stability Initiative, a think tank, released a report urging the EU to reject the idea of 'border corrections' between Serbia and Kosovo. The report criticizes Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic for promoting nationalist ideas and warns against his war-mongering rhetoric. It suggests that the EU should pressure Serbia to cease military intervention threats in North Kosovo and recommends that EU countries prepare to take on security responsibilities in the Balkans. The report also advocates for the integration of Balkan countries into the EU's common market by 2025 and the establishment of a Western Balkan Schengen area by 2030. Additionally, it calls for the lifting of visa requirements for Kosovo citizens and supports Kosovo's bid to join the Council of Europe.

The article reports on a protest in Belgrade, Serbia, led by the campaign group 'Let's not drown Belgrade.' The protest marked the third anniversary of the controversial April 2016 demolitions in the Savamala district, where masked men destroyed buildings to make way for a redevelopment project. The incident, which occurred during vote counting for parliamentary elections, led to significant protests demanding the resignation of city officials. Despite the public outcry, the police have not expedited their investigation into the demolitions, according to Serbia's First Basic Prosecutor's Office.

On the night of the Serbian general elections, a group of masked men demolished several buildings on Hercegovacka Street in Savamala, where the Belgrade Waterfront complex was planned. Eyewitnesses were harassed, and the police were reported to have declined to intervene. The Ombudsman, Sasa Jankovic, later accused Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic of complicity and criticized the police for their inaction. The incident led to large protests and demands for the resignation of city officials. The Crime and Corruption Reporting Network (KRIK) published a video of the incident, and the Ombudsman's report highlighted the failure of the police to respond to citizens' calls for help.

Milan Dragisic, a former soldier in the Bosnian Serb Army, was sentenced by the Belgrade Higher Court to four years in prison for the killing of a Bosniak civilian, Asim Kavaz, and the attempted murder of two others, Muhamed Kavaz and Asmir Lemes, during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina on September 20, 1992. Dragisic was acquitted of two additional murder charges and one attempted murder charge. The prosecution argued that Dragisic's actions were a response to the death of his brother Dragan, who was killed in battle. Dragisic had pleaded not guilty, and the verdict is subject to appeal.

The Belgrade Appeals Court upheld a decision by the Higher Court to reject the rehabilitation of Milan Nedic, who led a Nazi-collaborator government in occupied Serbia during World War II. The appeal, initiated by Nedic's family, sought to overturn a Yugoslav court's post-war decision that stripped Nedic of civil rights and confiscated his property, claiming he was a victim of political persecution. The court reviewed evidence and heard from historians, amidst public controversy and demonstrations by both far-right supporters and anti-fascist groups. Serbian law does not permit rehabilitation for Nazi collaborators, and the court found the initial decision to be just. Nedic committed suicide in 1946 while facing charges for his wartime actions.

Mirjana Markovic, the widow of former Serbian and Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, was buried next to her husband in Pozarevac, Serbia. The funeral was attended by political associates and convicted war criminals, Nikola Sainovic and Vojislav Seselj. Markovic's daughter, Marija Milosevic, criticized the media in a letter read at the funeral. Officials from the Socialist Party of Serbia, founded by Milosevic, paid their respects. Markovic, who died at 76, fled to Russia in 2003 and was granted political asylum. She faced charges in Serbia but was not extradited by Russia. The Belgrade Appeals Court recently ordered a retrial for a previous conviction of Markovic. She was also accused of involvement in the murder of journalist Slavko Curuvija, a charge she denied. Four former state security officers were convicted for Curuvija's murder, but the instigators remain unprosecuted.

The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) has urged Serbian authorities to respond to a video posted on Twitter that attacks BIRN Serbia editor Slobodan Georgiev. The video, which includes out-of-context statements and tabloid headlines, insinuates that Georgiev and other investigative media outlets publish falsehoods. It also targets other organizations like the Centre for Investigative Journalism of Serbia (CINS) and the Crime and Corruption Reporting Network (KRIK), and includes clips of Kosovo and Albanian leaders, framing critics of President Vucic's government as allies of these leaders. The video's poster, allegedly a state official named Natalija Dugonjic, has not been confirmed by BIRN. The high-tech crime prosecutor is considering an investigation. The incident follows a pattern of attacks on BIRN, which intensified after a 2014 investigation into a deal between Serbia and Etihad Airways. In February 2019, a man was arrested for threatening Georgiev and other critics of the regime.

The Srebrenica massacres, classified as genocide by international courts, have led to significant legal and political debates in Bosnia and Serbia. Despite convictions for genocide, Bosnia is unlikely to criminalize its denial due to political opposition, particularly from Serb parliamentarians. Serbia, while having a law against genocide denial, does not recognize the Srebrenica massacres as genocide. Recent initiatives to stop genocide denial have faced resistance, with key political figures like Milorad Dodik and Aleksandar Vucic denying the genocide. The international community, including the UN and European Parliament, continues to push for recognition and criminalization of genocide denial.

The Belgrade Higher Court has sentenced former Yugoslav Army officer Rajko Kozlina to 15 years in prison for the murders of Kosovo Albanian civilians in the village of Trnje/Terrne on March 25, 1999. However, his superior, Pavle Gavrilovic, was acquitted as the court did not find evidence that he ordered 'there should be no survivors'. Kozlina was found guilty of shooting civilians and ordering his soldiers to fire on others, resulting in 15 deaths. The verdict is subject to appeal. The indictment against Gavrilovic had claimed he ordered the attack as part of an ethnic cleansing operation, but he was acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Mirjana Markovic, the widow of former Yugoslavian president Slobodan Milosevic, passed away in a Moscow hospital. She had undergone several surgeries in Russia, and her health had deteriorated, leading to her death. Markovic was known for her political support to her husband during the wars in Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. She founded the Yugoslav United Left party and was seen as a significant influence on Milosevic. After Milosevic's trial in The Hague, Markovic fled to Russia and was granted political asylum. She faced charges in Serbia, including corruption and abuse of office, but Russia refused her extradition. Recently, a Serbian court overturned a guilty verdict against her and ordered a retrial. Markovic was also accused of involvement in the murder of journalist Slavko Curuvija, a charge she denied.

Serbian Defence Minister Aleksandar Vulin announced a postponement of his planned hunger strike against opposition protests after a meeting with President Aleksandar Vucic. The hunger strike was intended as a protest against what Vulin and others in the government described as 'violence' and 'hooliganism' by protesters who have been demonstrating against Vucic's rule since December 2018. The announcement was met with mockery from the public and satirical responses from media and organizations, including a satirical piece by Njuz.net and a mocking press release by the Serbian Army Union. The hunger strike, which was also to include Belgrade Deputy Mayor Goran Vesic and 30 MPs, was abandoned the day after it was announced.

Former Bosnian Serb fighter Bosko Budimir testified at the Belgrade Higher Court, claiming that Nedeljko Milidragovic, accused of participating in the Srebrenica massacre, was with him in a different village during the time of the killings on July 14, 1995. Budimir provided inconsistent information regarding his whereabouts on certain dates. The trial, which began in February 2017, involves Milidragovic and seven others accused of killing over 1,300 Bosniaks in Kravica. The proceedings have experienced delays, and the article was updated to clarify a detail about the fuel used in a transporter vehicle.

The Serbian Defence Ministry and public broadcaster RTS premiered a documentary film titled 'War Stories from Kosare', which recounts the 1999 Battle of Kosare. The film highlights the bravery and sacrifice of Yugoslav Army soldiers during the conflict with the Kosovo Liberation Army, supported by NATO air strikes. The premiere was attended by notable Serbian military and state officials, including Defence Minister Aleksandar Vulin. The film includes testimonies from Serbian soldiers and commanders and addresses military engagements along the Yugoslavia-Albania border in 1998 and 1999. Controversially, some military officers accused of war crimes served as consultants on the project. Another film on similar themes is expected to premiere in May 2019.

Serbian journalists have expressed approval of the guilty verdict against former state security operatives for the 1999 murder of journalist Slavko Curuvija. The Belgrade Higher Court sentenced four ex-security employees to a total of 100 years in prison. The verdict has been seen as a partial success, with calls for further investigation into who ordered the assassination. Curuvija was a critic of President Slobodan Milosevic's regime, and his family and colleagues believe the state was behind his murder. The defence plans to appeal, while Curuvija's family seeks harsher sentences. The direct perpetrator of the murder remains unknown, and the political motives behind the killing are still a subject of concern.

The Belgrade Higher Court convicted four former Serbian state security employees for the 1999 murder of journalist Slavko Curuvija, who opposed Slobodan Milosevic's regime. Radomir Markovic and Milan Radonjic received 30-year sentences, while Ratko Romic and Miroslav Kurak were sentenced to 20 years. The court stated Markovic informed Radonjic of the assassination plan, who then coordinated with Romic and Kurak for the execution. The trial, which began in 2015, faced controversies, including the handling of evidence and testimonies. Markovic is already serving a 40-year sentence for other crimes, and Kurak was tried in absentia. The verdict can be appealed.

Two decades after the Kosovo war, unresolved property disputes persist due to missing cadastral records taken by Serbian authorities in 1999. Trajko Semic's prolonged legal battle exemplifies the broader issue affecting thousands in Kosovo. The Kosovo Property Comparison and Verification Agency, established following a 2011 agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, awaits the return of scanned records to resolve discrepancies. The EU has completed scanning and indexing, but implementation delays persist. The lack of original records and incomplete registrations from the pre-war period further complicate property rights, with around 60% of properties in Kosovo not formally registered.

The article reports on the testimonies given at the Belgrade Higher Court by relatives of the victims of the 1993 Strpci train abduction, where 20 non-Serbs were kidnapped and killed by Serb paramilitary forces. Witnesses recounted how they learned about the abduction and the fate of their family members. The Serbian war crimes prosecutor has indicted several individuals, including Gojko Lukic, for their involvement in the abductions. The paramilitary unit involved was called the Avengers, led by Milan Lukic, who is currently serving a life sentence for other war crimes. To date, only two Bosnian Serb fighters have been convicted for the Strpci crime, with many victims still missing.

Serbian officials, including Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic and Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic, have criticized the European Parliament for allegedly banning the Serbian tabloid Kurir following complaints from Croatian MEP Ruza Tomasic. Tomasic, a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, claimed she persuaded the European Parliament to stop distributing Kurir, accusing it of insulting Croatia and its former President Franjo Tudjman. The European Parliament has not confirmed the ban. Defence Minister Aleksandar Vulin accused those seeking the ban of being followers of the Ustasa, a WWII-era Croatian fascist movement. The Media Association of South-East Europe called the alleged ban unacceptable and warned against the implications for media freedom.

Protesters in Serbia, opposing President Aleksandar Vucic's government, are organizing their largest rally on April 13, following a failed attempt to storm the national broadcaster RTS. The movement, reinvigorated by the March 16 incident, threatens civil disobedience if their demands are unmet. The police forcefully expelled the protesters from the RTS building during their attempt to appear on the evening news.

Romania's Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) has seized over a ton of cocaine and arrested two Serbian citizens in a significant anti-drug operation. The investigation began when a kilogram of cocaine was found in Tulcea County, leading to the discovery of more drugs on the Black Shore coast. The cocaine, with a street value of approximately 300 million euros, was intended to be transported through Romania. One suspect was arrested at the Serbian border, and the other in Romania. DIICOT is collaborating with Serbian judicial authorities to identify and prosecute all individuals involved. This follows a major trial in Serbia where crime boss Darko Saric was sentenced for cocaine smuggling.

Activists from various human rights groups marched to the Serbian parliament to remember Kosovo Albanians killed during the Kosovo war 20 years ago. They highlighted the lack of criminal charges in Serbia for crimes against Albanians in Kosovo over the past four years. The activists displayed a banner with the names of 744 Albanian victims found in a mass grave in Batajnica, a suburb of Belgrade. The event aimed to break the silence on these crimes and to call for compassion and solidarity. The article also mentions the conviction of Serbian Public Security Department chief Vlastimir Djordjevic by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia for his role in the murder and persecution of Kosovo Albanians.

England’s Football Association will file an official complaint to UEFA over racist chants directed at its players by Montenegrin fans during a Euro 2020 qualifier match in Podgorica. Danny Rose, Raheem Sterling, and Callum Hudson-Odoi were subjected to racist abuse, with Sterling responding by cupping his ears after scoring. British Sports Minister Miriam Davies and England’s manager Gareth Southgate condemned the abuse and called for swift action. Montenegrin media largely ignored the incident, while Balkan football federations have faced fines for similar issues in the past.

On the anniversary of NATO's military campaign against Serbia, President Aleksandar Vucic led a state ceremony in Nis, condemning the NATO bombing as a crime and emphasizing that the killed Serbian civilians will never be forgotten. The ceremony was attended by 2,000 people and featured an emotional speech by Vucic, who shed tears during his address. Milorad Dodik, the Serb member of Bosnia's presidency, also attended and spoke against Bosnia joining NATO. Concurrently, nationalists in Belgrade protested with anti-NATO and anti-EU banners, some of which celebrated Ratko Mladic, a convicted war criminal. The article recalls that NATO's 1999 campaign aimed to halt Slobodan Milosevic's actions against the Kosovo Liberation Army, which included ethnic cleansing and killings.

The article discusses the ongoing '1 of 5 million' anti-government protests in Serbia, emphasizing the civic nature of the movement despite the increasing visibility of political leaders, particularly after recent confrontational protests. Organiser Srdjan Markovic and Dveri party leader Bosko Obradovic assert that the protests are a genuine expression of public dissent and should not be seen as politically hijacked. The protests have seen a decrease in numbers but escalated last weekend with incidents at the Serbian national broadcaster RTS and clashes with police at the Serbian Presidency. The arrest of a student, Pavle Cvejic, and others led to public outcry and President Aleksandar Vucic's controversial offer of pardon, which was criticized as unconstitutional. Charges against five protesters were eventually dismissed, and students protested against the arrests of their peers.

Husein Mujanovic, the former commander of a wartime prison in Hrasnica, is on trial at the Belgrade Higher Court, facing charges of abusing Serb prisoners during the Bosnian War in 1992. Mujanovic pleaded not guilty, denying allegations of beating prisoners or being aware of such acts. He argued that the harsh conditions were a result of the siege of Sarajevo by the Bosnian Serb Army and that the prison held not only Serbs but also Bosniaks and Croats. The prisoners were allegedly kept in inhumane conditions, with some being beaten in a fallout shelter, leading to six deaths. Mujanovic was arrested in July 2018 by Serbian police and is now facing trial for his actions during the war.

Radenko Djurkovic, a witness at the Belgrade Higher Court, testified that he was involved in digging mass graves and burying the bodies of around 200 Bosniaks killed in Kravica after the Srebrenica massacre in July 1995. He was ordered by his company director to perform these tasks. Djurkovic described the difficulty of the work, including losing consciousness due to the conditions. He also mentioned being ordered to exhume and re-bury the bodies elsewhere. The testimony is part of a trial against eight former Serb policemen charged with the massacre of over 1,300 civilians in Srebrenica. The trial has faced numerous delays since charges were brought in 2015.

At the Lovas killings trial in Belgrade Higher Court, a dispute arose when the court-appointed lawyer, Gordana Andrejevic, claimed her client, Zoran Kosijer, was denied the right to choose his own legal counsel. The presiding judge, Zorana Trajkovic, countered that the lawyer Kosijer wanted was ineligible and that Kosijer was appointed an attorney after not choosing another. The trial involves ten former members of various Serbian forces accused of war crimes against civilians in the Croatian village of Lovas in October 1991, including using civilians as a human shield in a minefield. The prosecution has requested a total of 59 years in prison for the eight remaining Serb ex-fighters, as four have died since the initial conviction in 2012, which was annulled for a retrial in 2014.

Ali Nikci testified at the Belgrade Higher Court about the killing of his brother and sister-in-law during an attack on the villages of Cuska/Qushk, Pavlan, and Zahaq on May 14, 1999, amidst the Kosovo war. He described how Serbian forces, in military and police uniforms, rounded up villagers, robbed them, and forced them to drive towards Pec/Peja and then towards Rozaje before turning them back. The next day, Nikci discovered the murder of his family members. The Serbian prosecutor has charged 11 former members of the 177th Yugoslav Army Unit with war crimes for the killings of 138 ethnic Albanians in the spring of 1999. The case, initially resulting in convictions in 2014, was overturned in 2015 and is currently undergoing a retrial. The trial has faced delays and witness refusals. An investigation into general Dragan Zivanovic was closed without charges. BIRN has documented these events in a film titled 'The Unidentified'.

Radovan Karadzic, the Bosnian Serb wartime leader, was captured in Belgrade in 2008 after years in hiding, disguised as a spiritual healer named Dragan Dabic. Despite an international warrant issued in 1996, Karadzic evaded capture with the help of a network of supporters and a lack of will from authorities. His trial at the UN court in The Hague resulted in a 40-year prison sentence for genocide and other crimes. The article explores the gaps in the timeline of his fugitive years, the failure to prosecute his helpers, and the political dynamics in Serbia that allowed him to remain at large for so long.

The Humanitarian Law Centre (HLC) has expressed disagreement with the Serbian war crimes prosecutor's office after their complaint about the abduction of the Abjanovic brothers, two Croats from Morovic, was rejected. The HLC views the disappearance as a crime against humanity, part of a systematic attack on Vojvodina Croats from 1991 to 1995. The prosecutor's office dismissed the complaint citing the principle of legality, as Serbian law did not recognize crimes against humanity at the time of the crime. However, the HLC argues that international conventions, which Serbia has ratified, and historical precedents like the Nuremberg Charter, support the prosecution of such crimes regardless of the time they were committed. The war crimes prosecutor's office has not responded to inquiries at the time of publication.

Sasa Sindjelic retracted his previous testimony about a coup plot in Montenegro, stating that the suspects did not plan any violence during the 2016 parliamentary elections. His new statement contradicts his 2017 testimony, where he claimed to have been hired by a Russian intelligence officer to overthrow the government to prevent Montenegro from joining NATO. Sindjelic's retraction aims to prevent the trial of former Serbian police general Bratislav Dikic and other Serb suspects. The prosecution alleges that Sindjelic had direct contact with two Russian military intelligence officers accused of masterminding the plot.

Serbia's leadership, including President Aleksandar Vucic, has condemned the Kosovo parliament's new platform for negotiations, which requires mutual recognition of independence as an outcome. The platform also rejects border changes and calls for a tribunal to investigate Serbian war crimes. Kosovo has imposed a 100% tariff on Serbian goods since November 2018, which Serbia and the US have opposed. US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, David Hale, visited Belgrade to encourage the resumption of dialogue and will meet Kosovo officials for further discussions. Serbia's response to the platform is expected to be moderate and responsible, but no specific measures have been disclosed.

Belgrade Higher Court judge Mirjana Ilic expressed suspicion that defendants in the trial for the murder of Kosovo Albanians in Trnje in 1999 are deliberately avoiding hearings by claiming health issues. The trial has been postponed multiple times due to these claims, often supported by medical reports from Serbian Army hospitals. The Humanitarian Law Centre has accused these hospitals of enabling the defendants to avoid hearings. Former Yugoslav Army officers Pavle Gavrilovic and Rajko Kozlina are on trial for the killings of 27 people, including women and children, during the attack on Trnje. The next hearing is scheduled for March 20.

The Belgrade Appeals Court reduced the sentences of three Bosnian Serb fighters convicted of war crimes in 1992, while upholding not-guilty verdicts for three others. Ahmet Grahic from the Association of Families of Detained and Missing Persons from Zvornik Municipality expressed dissatisfaction with the reduced sentences but emphasized the priority of finding missing persons. Murat Tahirovic from the Association of Victims and Witnesses of Genocide expressed satisfaction with the convictions, despite the reduced sentences.

Thousands of Montenegrins protested against President Milo Djukanovic's three-decade rule, accusing him of corruption. The opposition criticized Nova M, a broadcaster owned by United Group, for belittling the protests. United Group, which acquired the pro-government Pink M in 2018, is accused of biased coverage against government critics. The URA Civil Movement directly addressed their complaints to United Group.

Thirty-one international experts have criticized the Republika Srpska government's newly established commissions to investigate war crimes in Srebrenica and abuses against Serbs in Sarajevo, labeling them as revisionist efforts rather than genuine truth-seeking initiatives. The letter, signed by academics including Eric Gordy, Jasmin Mujanovic, Edin Hajdarpasic, and Florian Bieber, argues that these commissions are part of a broader strategy of genocide denial and historical revisionism by the Party of Independent Social Democrats-led government. The letter also highlights the failure of similar top-down initiatives in Serbia and Croatia due to political motivations and partiality.

A bipartisan delegation from the US House of Representatives and Senate urged Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to resolve the 1999 murders of Ylli, Agron, and Mehmet Bytyqi at the Munich Security Conference. Despite investigations, no charges have been brought against those responsible. The Bytyqi family and US Congressmen believe Goran Radosavljevic, a senior official of the ruling Progressive Party, is the main suspect. The US government banned Radosavljevic from entering the country in December 2018 due to his alleged involvement in human rights violations during the Kosovo war.

Nikola Gruevski, the ousted Macedonian prime minister, criticized the agreement made by his successor Zoran Zaev with Greece to change the country's name to North Macedonia, calling it a scam. Gruevski accused Zaev of deceiving the public and claimed Greek politicians exploited the situation to impose an unfavorable deal. He also denied Serbian involvement in his escape from Macedonia to Hungary, where he sought asylum to avoid a prison term for corruption. Gruevski's tenure was marked by accusations of authoritarianism and corruption, with ongoing investigations against him.

The Austrian Interior Ministry has banned the display of two Croatian Ustasa movement symbols, effective March 1, with fines up to 10,000 euros for repeat offenders. This ban is part of a broader prohibition that includes symbols of Hamas, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the Grey Wolves, expanding the existing ban on al-Qaida and ISIS symbols. The move follows complaints about the misuse of the annual Bleiburg commemoration to display fascist symbols, leading to stricter measures and arrests in 2018. The Croatian parliament had reintroduced state sponsorship of the Bleiburg event in 2016.

A misdemeanours court in Zagreb sentenced Erceg to 15 days in prison and banned him from approaching the monument to Croatia’s first President Franjo Tudjman for a year after he called Tudjman a war criminal during the monument's unveiling. Croatian state officials praised Tudjman’s contributions to independence, while opposition and rights groups protested his record. Erceg reiterated his accusations against Tudjman post-sentencing. In a related incident, a man was detained for defacing the monument, prompting protests from leftist parties and NGOs against political repression. Critics accuse Tudjman of human rights violations and corruption during his tenure.

Serbian anti-fascists are urging authorities to prevent the sale of the Bosko Buha memorial complex, dedicated to young WWII fighters, following the bankruptcy of the owning company, Putnik. The complex, which includes the Museum of Pioneers and Youth of Yugoslavia, has deteriorated since the 1990s but remains a significant historical site. Activists emphasize the importance of preserving the memorial to honor the anti-fascist struggle and the role of youth in the WWII uprising against Nazi occupation.

Kosovo Police identified a suspect, Shaban Berisha, who confessed to tearing down a plaque commemorating Serb journalists Djuro Slavuj and Ranko Perenic, who disappeared in 1998. The Journalists’ Association of Serbia (UNS) has repeatedly placed the plaque, which has been vandalized seven times. The OSCE mission in Kosovo condemned the act, emphasizing its negative impact on inter-community trust and dialogue. UNS continues to campaign for justice for the disappeared journalists.

Serbian police interrogated two anti-government protesters for carrying a makeshift gallows during a rally in Belgrade, with accusations of inciting discrimination under article 387 of the Serbian criminal code. The Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights expressed concerns over selective application of the law. Prime Minister Ana Brnabic condemned the incident, while the pro-government media accused opposition supporters of promoting violence. The two men were reportedly linked to the far-right opposition movement Dveri, whose MP defended the action by citing similar protests in other countries.

Nebojsa Medojevic, leader of Montenegro's Movement for Changes party, announced plans to join Steve Bannon's far-right organization, The Movement, after meeting with co-founder Mischael Modrikamen in Brussels. Medojevic views The Movement as a defender of state sovereignty and national interests against global financial elites. The Movement aims to support far-right groups in Europe and promote nationalism. Medojevic's Democratic Front is currently involved in legal issues, including a trial for an alleged Russian-backed coup plot. Montenegro is in negotiations to join the EU, which Medojevic believes requires fundamental reforms.

No countries have contributed to a UN voluntary fund established in 2017 to aid Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian victims of lead poisoning in Kosovo. Despite appeals from the UN Secretary General and other efforts, the fund remains empty. Human Rights Watch reported that around 8,000 individuals were displaced after the 1998-99 war, with 600 resettled in contaminated camps. The UN's response has been criticized by the European Parliament and other entities for failing to provide individual compensation and adequate support to the victims.

The Humanitarian Law Centre's dossier documents Serbian state involvement in crimes against Croats in Vojvodina during the 1990s, including abductions, forced evictions, and violence. The report implicates Serbian police, army, and state security in these actions, supported by evidence from the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Key figures such as Slobodan Milosevic, Vojislav Seselj, and current officials like Maja Gojkovic and Milan Bacevic are mentioned in connection with these crimes. The dossier aims to file a criminal complaint to seek justice for the victims.

The article investigates the potential role of former Kosovo Liberation Army commander Sabahajdin Cena in revealing the fate of missing Serbs from the Kosovo War. It details the abductions and alleged war crimes committed by the KLA, including torture and organ trafficking. The Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in The Hague has begun interviewing former KLA commanders, including Cena, who denies any wrongdoing. The article highlights the ongoing search for justice and accountability for the victims and their families.

The Belgrade Higher Court is urged by Deputy War Crimes Prosecutor Dusan Knezevic to sentence eight former Serb fighters to a total of 59 years in prison for the 1991 Lovas massacre, where 28 Croat civilians were killed. The prosecution detailed the events leading to the massacre, including the use of civilians as human shields in a minefield. Defense lawyers called for acquittals, arguing insufficient evidence. The case, initially resulting in convictions in 2012, was annulled and retried following an appeals court decision in 2014. Four of the original convicts have since died. Closing statements will continue on February 28.

The Belgrade Appeals Court upheld a ruling against Dragan Vucicevic, editor of the Serbian tabloid Informer, for publishing hate speech against Anita Mitic, former director of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR). Vucicevic was ordered to pay compensation and court expenses. The case stemmed from a 2017 article that accused NGOs of creating chaos before the presidential elections and used derogatory terms against YIHR. The ruling highlights ongoing tensions between media, activists, and political entities in Serbia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized Kosovo's decision to form an army, expressing support for Serbia's stance on the issue. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic emphasized Serbia's readiness for compromise but refused to allow Serbia to be humiliated. The two leaders reaffirmed strong bilateral ties, signing 21 agreements on various topics, including atomic energy and digital technology. Thousands of Serbians gathered to welcome Putin, while opposition parties and human rights NGOs criticized the visit, highlighting concerns over democratic erosion and human rights abuses in Russia.

Human Rights Watch's World Report 2019 highlights modest progress in human rights across Balkan countries, citing slow war crimes prosecutions and inadequate support for asylum seekers and migrants. Bosnia and Herzegovina saw limited progress, with unresolved war crimes cases and discriminatory constitutional provisions. Croatia faced allegations of police violence against migrants and poor conditions for people with disabilities. Kosovo's human rights protection remained slow, with ongoing ethnic tensions and delayed war crimes trials. Serbia's war crimes prosecutions lacked political support, and journalists faced significant threats and intimidation.

Serbia’s Appeals Court acquitted four men previously given suspended sentences for attempting to set fire to the US embassy during a 2008 protest against Kosovo’s independence declaration. The court cited insufficient evidence for the acquittal, which also included three other individuals. The US, German, and Croatian embassies were attacked during the riots, resulting in one fatality. The US and German governments have urged Serbia to prioritize prosecuting those responsible, linking it to Serbia's EU integration progress. Investigations have implicated several police generals and senior state officials, but no further actions have been taken.

The Higher Court in Podgorica sentenced investigative journalist Jovo Martinovic to one and a half years in prison for alleged drug trafficking and membership in a criminal organization. Martinovic claims the verdict is politically motivated and not based on facts. Reporters Without Borders condemned the charges as 'trumped-up.' Martinovic was arrested in 2015 and spent almost a year and a half in custody. He plans to appeal the verdict. The case has drawn international attention, with human rights and media organizations demanding his release.

Serbian rights organizations are urging the parliament to ensure a transparent process in selecting a new Information Commissioner, a role vital for public information access. Concerns have been raised about the lack of information on the selection process and the absence of a candidate list. The previous commissioner, Rodoljub Sabic, known for his strong stance on freedom of information, faced criticism from the ruling Progressive Party. NGOs have repeatedly appealed for an open nomination process and clear criteria for candidates, emphasizing the need for expertise and political neutrality.

A BIRN report highlights a decline in media freedom and pluralism in Serbia, citing misuse and corruption in state fund allocation as key issues. The report, submitted to the EU Delegation in Serbia, notes significant abuses in the distribution of funds and increasing administrative pressure on independent media. Despite the establishment of a Coordination Body for dialogue between media associations and the government, results have been disappointing. The state has also failed to complete the privatization of media outlets, with some still partly state-owned or operating in legal uncertainty.

Three Croatian citizens, including Dragutin Guzovski, are suing Serbian authorities for compensation for their detention in prison camps after the fall of Vukovar. Guzovski, president of the Croatian Association of Prisoners in Serbian Concentration Camps, has filed the first lawsuit in Belgrade's Higher Court, with plans for more. Serbian lawyer Marko Pekic believes the lawsuit will succeed, citing Montenegro's acceptance of responsibility for its camps. The article highlights the importance of compensating former prisoners and the role of individual lawsuits in pressuring the judiciary.

An exhibition titled 'Sarajevo Surrounded' opened in Belgrade, organized by Serbia’s Humanitarian Law Centre and the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It depicts life in Sarajevo during the 1,335-day siege by Bosnian Serb forces, showcasing items used by residents and original photographs. The exhibition aims to educate the Serbian public about the siege, with only 23% of Serbian citizens aware of the event. The exhibition will run until October 6.

Dimitris Avramopoulos, Europe's Commissioner for Migration, and Nebojsa Stefanovic, Serbia's Interior Minister, have initialed an agreement for cooperation between Serbia and Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. The agreement allows Frontex to perform migrant checks at the Serbian border and must be ratified by the Serbian parliament. Frontex assists EU and Schengen countries in managing borders and cannot include non-EU countries as full members, but status agreements can be made. Montenegro and Bosnia are also interested in such agreements. The International Organisation for Migration has noted an increase in migration through the Western Balkans, with significant numbers coming from countries like Syria and Afghanistan.

Maliq Voci, a Kosovo Albanian witness, testified at Belgrade Higher Court about being shot during an alleged attack by Serbian forces in Trnje on March 25, 1999. Voci recounted being shot while feeding cows and later being treated in Albania. He returned to find several relatives killed. Former Yugoslav Army officers Pavle Gavrilovic and Ranko Kozlina are on trial for the killings of 27 people during the attack, with Gavrilovic accused of ordering the attack and Kozlina of participating in the killings.

The article discusses the unresolved disappearances of thousands of people during the 1990s wars in the Balkans and under Albania's Communist regime. As the International Day of the Disappeared is marked, relatives from across the Balkans share their experiences and the impact of not knowing the fate of their loved ones. The article features personal stories from Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, Serbia, and Albania, highlighting the ongoing search for the missing and the lack of closure for families. It also mentions recent developments, such as convictions related to war crimes and the signing of an agreement by Albania with the International Commission on Missing Persons to help find the remains of the disappeared.

Serbia's justice ministry plans to request the extradition of Predrag Vukovic from Montenegro, where he was arrested for illegal fishing. Vukovic, a Yugoslav Army veteran, is accused of participating in the 1999 massacre of 46 ethnic Albanian civilians in Kosovo. The case is part of a larger investigation into war crimes committed by the Yugoslav Army during the Kosovo conflict. The Belgrade Higher Court is currently handling the case, which has seen multiple convictions and retrials. Human Rights Watch and a BIRN documentary have documented the crimes and identified some perpetrators.

OSCE ambassador to Kosovo, Jan Braathu, announced support for efforts to find those responsible for crimes against journalists in Kosovo, including the case of two Serbian reporters, Ranko Perenic and Djuro Slavuj, who were kidnapped in 1999 and are still missing. A memorial plaque was unveiled at the site of their kidnapping, and the OSCE has identified 15 cases of missing or killed journalists in Kosovo. The Society of Journalists of Kosovo and the Journalists' Association of Serbia are advocating for more action from institutions to solve these cases. A draft resolution has been sent to the European Federation of Journalists, aiming to put pressure on state institutions and encourage witnesses to come forward. The families of the kidnapped journalists have received limited information about the investigations from EULEX.

The Serbian Justice Ministry has expressed willingness to try Serbian Radical Party politicians Vjerica Radeta and Petar Jojic in Serbia instead of The Hague, despite objections from Hague prosecutor Diana Ellis. The accused are charged with contempt of court for threatening and bribing witnesses in the trial of their leader, Vojislav Seselj. Serbia has previously refused to extradite them, leading to multiple reports of non-cooperation to the UN Security Council. Seselj was sentenced to ten years in prison for inciting crimes during the 1992 war but will not return to prison due to time already served.

Serbia has banned Croatian Defence Minister Damir Krsticevic from entering the country in response to Croatia's decision to bar Serbian Defence Minister Aleksandar Vulin. The Serbian government criticized Croatia's actions as contrary to European values, while Croatia justified the ban due to Vulin's statements undermining its sovereignty. Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic announced the retaliatory measure, while Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic expressed willingness to cooperate but maintained the ban on Vulin.

Saranda Bogujevci, a survivor of the 1999 Podujevo massacre, condemned the Belgrade Higher Court's decision to grant early release to Sasa Cvjetan, a member of the Scorpions police unit responsible for the massacre. The court's decision, criticized by the Humanitarian Law Centre, was based on Cvjetan serving two-thirds of his sentence and an expectation of good behavior. The release has reignited pain for the victims' families and raised concerns about Serbia's accountability for war crimes.

Witnesses testified at the Belgrade Higher Court about the atrocities committed by Serbian fighters in Kosovo villages in May 1999, including the burning of homes and killing of civilians. The Serbian prosecution has charged 11 former members of the 177th Yugoslav Army Unit with war crimes, but the initial convictions were overturned, leading to a retrial. The trial has faced delays and witness refusals to testify. Two defendants have died during the trial, and a separate investigation into a Yugoslav Army commander was shut down. BIRN's documentary 'The Unidentified' explores the scale of the crimes and the command structure involved.

Croatian police have arrested a 19-year-old individual accused of operating Webstresser.org, a major online service for orchestrating Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. The website, which had over 136,000 users and was responsible for 4 million attacks, posed a significant threat to banks, businesses, and state institutions globally. The arrest occurred on April 24, and the suspect faces charges that could result in one to eight years of imprisonment. The operation, named 'Manufacture', was supported by Europol and involved law enforcement from several countries. Efforts to disable Webstresser.org are underway to prevent future cyber attacks. Additionally, Serbian police have detained two individuals believed to be administrators of the site.

Serbian Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic announced a ban on gatherings in Hrtkovci on May 6, the anniversary of Vojislav Seselj's inflammatory anti-Croat speech in 1992. Opposition parties planned counter-demonstrations against Seselj's Serbian Radical Party rally, but Seselj vowed to defy the ban. Recent incidents involving the Radicals have increased following Seselj's war crimes conviction by the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals, which sentenced him to ten years in prison for inciting crimes with nationalist speeches.

Serbia's economic and demographic future is at risk if it fails to resolve the Kosovo conflict and join the EU, according to a study by the Open Society Foundation. The Brussels Agreement's implementation would mitigate losses, while a territorial swap could yield economic benefits. Without resolution, Serbia faces a significant population decline, economic instability, and delayed EU accession, leading to reduced foreign investments and lower living standards.

Serbian nationalist MP Vojislav Seselj's trampling on the Croatian flag is the latest in a series of incidents between Serbia and Croatia, often revolving around past wars. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic condemned the incident but criticized Croatia for not condemning anti-Serbian actions. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic demanded a swift condemnation from Serbia. Former Serbian ambassador Milan Simurdic and analyst Bojan Elek highlighted the negative impact on bilateral relations. Historical disputes, trade wars, and controversial memorials have further strained relations, with the EU monitoring the situation closely.

A protest organized by the Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Belgrade called for the removal of Vojislav Seselj from the Serbian parliament due to his war crimes conviction. The protest supported opposition MP Aleksandra Jerkov, who faced threats and insults from members of the Serbian Radical Party after questioning Seselj's parliamentary status. Despite his conviction, Seselj has refused to resign. The article highlights the tension between different political factions and the ongoing impact of war crimes on Serbian politics.

The European Commission has recommended starting EU accession negotiations with Albania and Macedonia, recognizing their significant reforms over the past year. Federica Mogherini and Johannes Hahn praised the progress but emphasized the need for continued efforts. The Commission's annual 'Enlargement Package' also reviewed other Western Balkan countries, highlighting issues such as corruption, political crises, and human rights concerns. The reports stress the importance of resolving the Macedonia-Greece name dispute and improving legislative and economic reforms across the region.

Vojislav Seselj, sentenced to ten years for crimes against humanity, refuses to resign from the Serbian parliament, arguing the law does not apply to him as he has already served time in custody. Opposition MPs and NGOs insist on his removal, citing legal provisions and ethical concerns. The Humanitarian Law Centre criticizes the paradox of Seselj's position on the parliamentary board for security services.

The article discusses the shift in attitudes of athletes from the former Yugoslavia, contrasting the anti-fascist stances of sports figures during World War II with the rise of nationalism among athletes during and after the Balkan wars of the 1990s. It highlights the story of Bozidar ‘Bosko’ Petrovic, an anti-fascist Yugoslav footballer who joined the fight in the Spanish Civil War. The article also covers the case of Croatian footballer Josip ‘Joe’ Simunic, who chanted a fascist slogan, and the involvement of athletes like Veselin Vlahovic in war crimes during the Bosnian war. It touches on the influence of club managers and the political climate on athletes' nationalist sentiments, citing examples of Serbian athletes with ultra-nationalist tattoos and affiliations. The article suggests that anti-fascist views are now a minority in Balkan sports, with sociologist Bozidar Jaksic and former football player Ivan Ergic providing insights into the pressures athletes face in expressing dissenting views.

The article discusses the efforts of Igor Matijasevic to locate his father's remains, a victim of the 1991 Vukovar siege, leading to the discovery of a mass grave. It highlights the trial in Serbia for the killing of Croatian civilians in Sotin, with two Territorial Defence force members sentenced. The piece reflects on the challenges of prosecuting war crimes, noting the lack of cooperation between Serbian and Croatian judiciaries and Serbia's reluctance to prosecute high-ranking officers. It mentions the convictions of Yugoslav People's Army officers by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the ongoing trial for the Ovcara massacre. The article also covers the issues with indictments and the need for reconciliation, as expressed by veterans from both sides, but points out the political obstacles that hinder such efforts.

The article discusses the efforts of Igor Matijasevic to find his father's remains, a victim of the 1991 Vukovar siege, leading to the discovery of a mass grave with 13 bodies. A trial in Serbia resulted in the conviction of two local Serb-led Territorial Defence force members for the killing of Croatian civilians. The article highlights the challenges in prosecuting war crimes, with a lack of cooperation between Serbian and Croatian judiciaries and a focus on low-ranking soldiers. Veselinka Kastratovic from the Centre for Peace and Marina Kljaic from the Humanitarian Law Centre provide insights into the prosecution process and the political will in Serbia. The article also touches on the experiences of Serbian war veteran Mile Milosevic and the difficulties in achieving reconciliation between the nations, with political interference hindering veterans' efforts to organize a public display of reconciliation.

Women in Black, an activist group, protested in Belgrade demanding Serbia to recognize the right to compensation for the families of the Sjeverin victims and to prosecute the commanders responsible for the murder of 16 Bosniaks in 1992. The protest was secured by police as activists displayed the victims' names and remembered the incident. The Bosniaks were abducted by the Avengers, part of the Bosnian Serb Army, and later killed. Although some perpetrators were convicted by a Belgrade court and the Hague Tribunal, the victims' families have not received compensation, and the status of war victims was denied by Serbian courts because the crimes occurred outside Serbia.

The Serbian NGO Women in Black organized a protest in front of the Myanmar embassy in Belgrade to denounce the persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority. They demanded that Aung San Suu Kyi return her Nobel Peace Prize for failing to stop the violence. The NGO also called for Serbia to halt weapon exports to Myanmar and urged the International Criminal Court to investigate the situation as a potential crime against humanity. The protest highlighted the plight of over half a million Rohingya who have fled to Bangladesh, with the UN describing the situation as 'ethnic cleansing'. The Myanmar government denies these accusations, claiming the Rohingya are burning their own homes.

The article reports on the sentencing of eight former members of the Vukovar Territorial Defence, which was part of the Yugoslav People’s Army, to a total of 101 years in prison by the Appeals Court in Belgrade. They were convicted for their roles in the Ovcara farm massacre during the wars in former Yugoslavia. The court also acquitted four defendants and suspended proceedings against one who died. The massacre occurred after the fall of Vukovar to Serbian forces in 1991, where around 200 prisoners were tortured and killed. The trial has been ongoing since 2003, with previous convictions overturned and retrials ordered. The article also mentions the convictions of high-ranking officers Veselin Sljivancanin and Mile Mrksic by the ICTY, with Sljivancanin having served his reduced sentence and Mrksic dying in prison.