Thousands of mourners paid their respects on Monday as the body of Ratko Mladic, the Bosnian Serb commander who died while serving a life sentence for war crimes, was lying in state. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Serbia defied European Union warnings not to pay official homage to the man found guilty of the continent's first case of genocide since World War II.
The body of Mladic was displayed at the St. Luka Church in Belgrade. Serbian national military servicemen stood around the coffin. Mourners lined up to pay their respects.
Mladic died last week while serving a life sentence for genocide and other atrocities during the war in Bosnia. His funeral is expected in the coming days.
Associated Press video operators Almir Alic and Marko Drobnjakovic provided live coverage. Photos were taken by Marko Drobnjakovic and Darko Vojinovic.
The preparations for Mladic's funeral have sparked public debate in Serbia. The European Union had urged Serbia not to pay official homage to Mladic. However, Serbian authorities, despite the warning, plan to bury him with military honors.
Mladic was the commander of Bosnian Serb forces during the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia. He was accused of ordering the killing of more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men in Srebrenica in 1995. This was recognized as the worst crime in Europe since World War II.
In 2017, Mladic was sentenced to life imprisonment by the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague. He died last week in prison.
In Serbia, some still revere Mladic as a national hero. This could further exacerbate political tensions in the country. The European Union has condemned Serbia's actions.
Thousands are expected to attend Mladic's funeral. His body will be taken to the burial site after lying in state at the church in Belgrade.
This event may affect relations between Serbia and Bosnia. In Bosnia, Mladic is considered guilty of genocide, while in Serbia he has defenders.
Associated Press is covering the event extensively. Their correspondents are monitoring the situation outside the church in Belgrade and interviewing mourners.
Mladic's death has revived debates between his supporters and critics. His funeral may also impact Serbia's path towards European Union membership.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has called for paying tribute to Mladic. This has drawn criticism from the European Union. The EU condemned Serbia's actions, considering them a violation of international law.
Security measures around Mladic's funeral have been heightened. Police presence has been increased in Belgrade. Roads near the church are closed.
Mourners are placing flowers and lighting candles at the church. Some are holding pictures of Mladic. Many are dressed in black.
Family members of Mladic also arrived at the church. They stand by the coffin, receiving condolences.
This event is drawing international attention. Media representatives from around the world are covering the situation in Belgrade.
Regarding Mladic's funeral, conflicting opinions are being expressed in Serbia. Some experts warn that this could damage the country's international image.
As reported by Associated Press, military honors are being rendered at Mladic's body. This is being done despite the European Union's warning.
Mladic's case serves as a reminder of the tragedy of the Bosnian war. The Srebrenica massacre remains an open wound. This event may threaten stability in the region.
Serbian authorities continue preparations for Mladic's funeral. The exact time of the funeral is not yet known. It is expected to take place in the coming days.
Associated Press will provide updates as the situation develops.