Officials in Herceg Novi have committed to constructing a memorial honoring the victims of the 1992 deportation of Bosnian-Herzegovinian refugees, as stated by Alen Bajrović, son of one of the victims.

A memorial event took place in front of the Herceg Novi police station yesterday at noon, commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the war crime. Organized by Human Rights Action (HRA), the Center for Civic Education (CCE), and ANIMA – Center for Women’s and Peace Education, the event saw attendance from family members of the five victims, government and parliamentary representatives, the Ombudsman, leaders of the Bosniak Council, Islamic Community representatives, international organizations, embassies, political parties, NGOs, media personnel, and local citizens.

“Despite high hopes, this anniversary regrettably came and went without a renewed criminal investigation into the deportation case, a memorial, or a day of remembrance for the victims,” stated representatives of HRA, CCE, and ANIMA.

They noted an “encouraging meeting” with local parliament leaders held just prior to the memorial, with HRA Executive Director Tea Gorjanc-Prelević expressing optimism that they are “on the brink of a year when we will see the monument.” She urged Herceg Novi to reach out to the victims’ families.

“What occurred in this city should never have happened. It was tragic, unjust, and shameful to send those seeking refuge to their executioners. There was no justification for it. Some honorable officers expressed concern and arrested a few individuals before releasing them,” Gorjanc-Prelević remarked.

Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović reflected on the enduring pain of these wounds after 33 years.

“How is it possible for such a crime to occur? It’s difficult to comprehend, but it’s therapeutic to remember and discuss it, confronting the fact that perhaps one of our loved ones was involved in such an order. Why didn’t anyone raise their voice or oppose the mayor or minister?” she questioned.

Damir Gutić, Minister of Social Welfare, Family Care, and Demography, emphasized the need for Montenegro to rectify this stain on its past by bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“We also need to ensure that the souls of the victims find peace— by locating their remains and offering them a dignified burial so families have a place to go to honor their loved ones. Furthermore, a monument must be erected. I urge the Municipality of Herceg Novi and the Ministry of Culture and Media to assist in making this happen,” Gutić said emphatically.

Minister of Human and Minority Rights, Fatmir Đeka, declared the necessity to build a society where every citizen feels secure, valued, and respected, regardless of their identity.

“Confronting past wrongs is a measure of a society’s moral growth, and I call upon us all to learn from our past mistakes to cultivate a culture of memory and respect— the foundation of peace, reconciliation, and coexistence… It is our duty to educate future generations against nationalism, religious intolerance, and hatred,” he added.

Novica Obradović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stated, “We gather in a place that symbolizes human suffering, institutional failures, and the importance of collective memory.”

“We are not merely honoring the victims but reaffirming Montenegro’s pledge to truth, justice, and the dignity of every individual, regardless of their background… By fostering a culture of remembrance and candid discussions about our past, we are not dividing society but laying the groundwork for trust and reconciliation,” Obradović remarked.

Siniša Bjeković, the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro, noted, “While we had a lot of warrior courage, we lacked civic courage.”

“We cannot advocate for the rights of those who are no longer here. They had a right to life, family, freedom from persecution, love, education, and equality. Yet they were denied this. The proposed memorial will stand not just as a tribute to the victims but to a previously dormant conscience,” Bjeković asserted.

Victim family members also addressed the gathering. Hikmeta Prelo, mother of Amer Prelo, the youngest victim at 18, recounted how in May 1992, her son, brother, and sister’s husband were taken from her.

“They were taken ‘for an interview’, and there was no interview. I lack the remains of my child, brother, or son-in-law. I am alive, and the dark days are passing. I just want today’s promises fulfilled— to see that plaque, read that name, and remember,” she expressed.

Sejda Krdžalija, mother of victim Sanin Krdžalija, who was taken at age 22, hopes for a memorial.

“Last time, everyone assured us that our next visit would be for the monument’s unveiling. I thank all of you, especially the Mayor and the Assembly President of Herceg Novi, for your support and promises that this will happen. I envision our next meeting to be at the unveiling of that monument. It’s the least we can do for the tragedy that occurred,” she emphasized.

Alen Bajrović, son of Osmo Bajrović, expressed gratitude to Herceg Novi Mayor Stevan Katić and Municipal Assembly President Miloš Konjević for their openness and commitment to the construction of a monument at the Herceg Novi police building.

He recalled the tragic events of May 1992 and urged Montenegro’s institutions to finally hold those accountable responsible for these crimes.

“Even today, we struggle to ascertain the exact number of those imprisoned; all we have are estimates, let alone their whereabouts. I am still searching for my father’s remains. I expect the Special Prosecutor’s Office to initiate investigations against all those involved in this war crime—from direct perpetrators to those who issued orders and held positions of authority during the crime,” Bajrović stated.

Ervina Dabižinović, coordinator of ANIMA, voiced her frustration over repeated promises for a monument, stressing it’s essential not just as respect for victims, but as societal accountability for past actions.

“The state was fully aware of the potential consequences for them, yet we have yet to establish accountability. It’s essential that the Ministries of Culture and Education work decisively to ensure that narratives of war crimes are integrated into the education system, so future generations understand what transpired. The plaque will serve as a reminder that this was a state crime, and shows readiness to ensure future generations do not repeat our mistakes,” she concluded.

Imam Džemal Dacić, a representative of the Islamic Community, emphasized the need for dialogue, deeming it essential in modern societies, particularly in contexts burdened by historical issues.

“By establishing dialogue and acknowledging our past failures, we can confront one another respectfully, extend our hands, and collectively accept shared accountability. This will greatly enhance our coexistence,” he asserted.

Amina Murić from the Youth Initiative for Human Rights reiterated that unpunished crimes manifest in other forms— hate speech, nationalism, and youth violence.

“We need to understand our history, not to dwell on it, but to prevent repeating it… Democracy can be stifled not just by weapons, but through silence. That is why we gather today— to speak and remember,” she expressed.

Damir Suljević, human rights coordinator at CCE, asserted that the gathering serves not just to remember, but to highlight the danger of forgetting.

“Let’s also draw attention to the inappropriate naming of a street that could inflict new pain. Honoring victims isn’t simply about words; it requires facts, accountability, empathy— and the monument we are still awaiting,” Suljević added.

Demir Ličina, president of the “Štrpci – Against Oblivion” Association, offered an apology on behalf of Montenegro to the victims’ families, supporting calls for a memorial to be erected outside the Herceg Novi Security Department.

“Take action. That’s the simplest way forward. It’s how the memorial will materialize,” Ličina emphasized.

The event was also attended by family members of the victims, including Sanina Krdžalija’s sister, Sanela Krdžalija Bašić, as well as other relatives. Significant figures present included the Minister of Regional and Investment Development and NGO Cooperation, Ernad Suljević, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mirsad Nurković, MPs Amer Smailović and Edina Dešić, security representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and other officials. The Chief Negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović, represented the Ministry of European Affairs, while the gathering was also attended by associates of the President of Montenegro and the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Montenegro, Branimir Jukić.

Representatives from UNDP in Montenegro, political parties (URA, SDP, SD, Bosniak Party, Liberal Party), and various NGOs were also present, illustrating widespread support for the memorial as noted in the official statement.

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