The sorrowful plight of the Štrpci crime victims must remain in our collective memory, as stated by the Bosniak Council in Montenegro.

The Bosniak Council expressed their remembrance and reverence for the victims of the Štrpci crime during gatherings held today in Podgorica and Bijelo Polje. They commemorated the kidnapped and tragically murdered passengers of the “Lovćen 671” train, which was operating on the Belgrade-Bar railway.

The unfortunate incident occurred on February 27, 1993, at the Štrpci station, when 20 individuals were taken from the train by members of the Republika Srpska army from Višegrad. Among them were 18 Bosniaks, one Croat, and one person of unidentified nationality.

The Bosniak Council highlighted that, after 32 years, state institutions in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), and Montenegro have yet to legally, morally, or humanitarianly address this wartime atrocity.

“The premeditated nature of this kidnapping, orchestrated by the state leadership of the so-called Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, is underscored by the initial conviction of Nebojša Ranisavljević in Bijelo Polje, along with subsequent court proceedings in Sarajevo and Belgrade,” the Bosniak Council emphasized.

They reminded the public that seven accomplices were convicted for this crime in Sarajevo, yet the brigade commander was acquitted.

“There are currently no indications from the War Crimes Department of the Higher Court in Belgrade regarding the completion of proceedings against four individuals charged as direct perpetrators of this crime,” the Bosniak Council added.

They asserted that Montenegro cannot be absolved of this crime, as they claim the regime in Podgorica directly facilitated Belgrade’s criminal agenda during the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, contributing to the environmental conditions under which this and other atrocities occurred.

“The Montenegrin judiciary has shown inadequate determination in handling the Štrpci case, as well as other war crime cases, to investigate, prosecute, and convict all those responsible for planning this heinous act,” the Bosniak Council remarked.

According to them, recent announcements regarding the reopening of these cases suggest a potential shift in the stance of the judicial institutions towards addressing the troubling aspects of Montenegro’s past during the 90s.

“It is imperative for them to end the practices of concealment, neglect, and selective prosecution that hinder their ability to confront the past,” the Bosniak Council stated.

The Council emphasized the need for state institutions to take responsibility, especially towards the immediate families of the victims.

“For years, the rights of these families to dignified social redress have been disregarded by the state. There has been a lack of willingness to assist in ensuring their livelihood, social standing, education for their children, and employment opportunities,” the Bosniak Council remarked.

They noted that, while it has been emphasized for years that civilian war victims should claim their rights, little progress has been made.

The Bosniak Council mentioned that the proposed amendments to the veterans’ and disability protection law, submitted by the Government to the Parliament, might indicate that positive changes are on the horizon, with hopes for recognition and protection of the rights of affected family members.

“The Bosniak Council supports these initiatives, believing that sustainable and equitable resolutions can be reached, with backing in the Assembly,” the statement affirmed.

They concluded by expressing concern that, for many family members, it may already be too late, as they have passed away. However, it is essential to demonstrate that, even after 32 years, Montenegro and its institutions should muster the courage to confront their past mistakes and begin to rectify injustices.

“Only when that occurs—when all perpetrators and instigators of war crimes are held accountable, and the victims’ families are assured their rights—will we genuinely believe that Montenegrin society has started to reconcile with its wartime history and that the rule of law has been reinstated,” the Bosniak Council concluded.

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