Clashes in Novi Sad as Srebrenica commemoration sparks violence

On Thursday, in the Serbian town of Novi Sad, a confrontation occurred between members of right-wing organisations and supporters of anti-fascist groups. The clashes were triggered by the commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica. This information was reported by N1 television.

In recent days, the right-wing organisation "Serbian Hawk" called on the residents of Novi Sad, located in northern Serbia, to gather and commemorate the "liberation of Srebrenica".

This event took place on a day that marks the 29th anniversary of the genocide that occurred in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Members of the "Anti-fascist Front October 23" disrupted the right-wing rally. In their statement, they wrote: "We cannot allow such shame in a city known for its anti-fascist tradition".

Tension between the two groups escalated into a brawl, during which bottles were thrown. The intervening police controlled the situation. Local media reported that, in connection with the announced demonstrations, the presence of security forces was noticeable throughout the day in Novi Sad.

Some members of the right-wing organisation were wearing t-shirts with the image of Ratko Mladić - the commander of the Bosnian Serb forces during the 90s war, sentenced to life imprisonment for genocide and war crimes.

Meanwhile, in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, activists and some citizens paid tribute to the victims of the genocide by lighting candles in the city centre. This gathering was organised by the non-governmental organisation Humanitarian Law Center. Activists called on the Serbian authorities to designate 11 July as the day of remembrance for the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica.

At the Potocari Memorial Centre, located a few kilometres from Srebrenica, there was a ceremonial burial of the remains of the genocide victims. This anniversary was also marked in Bosnia and Herzegovina with marches for the victims, which gathered several thousand people, and "silent jumps into the water" from the famous bridge in Mostar.

Thursday's anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica was the first after the United Nations General Assembly in May passed a resolution designating 11 July as the International Day of Remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide.

For the crimes committed in the Srebrenica area, including the execution of over 8,000 Bosnian boys and men, more than 50 people have been sentenced to a total of over 700 years in prison. Those convicted of genocide included the wartime political leaders of the Bosnian Serbs, Radovan Karadžić and Ratko Mladić.