Between Truth, Denial, and Reality: The Memorialization of War Crimes in Zvornik

Abstract

UDK
341.322.5(497.6 Zvornik)"1992/1995"
94(497.6 Zvornik)"1992/1995"

During the period 1992–1995, systematic crimes were committed against Bosniaks in the area of Zvornik, including armed attacks, occupation, detention, torture, mass executions, and rape in numerous camps, among which were the Technical School Center “Karakaj,” the Cultural Center “Pilica,” and “Liplje.” The Great-Serbian perpetrators of crimes primarily targeted men, while women, children, and the elderly were forcibly displaced, with women additionally subjected to sexual violence. In addition, the perpetrators destroyed Bosniak cultural and religious heritage. Mass killings continued during the genocide in Srebrenica in 1995, making Zvornik one of the key locations of continuous war crimes and mass graves of Bosniaks.

The denial of war crimes and historical revisionism remain pressing issues in Bosnian-Herzegovinian society. A focus on the local community of Zvornik reveals ongoing manifestations of crime denial and revisionism, as well as efforts at memorialization, which are predominantly made by victims’ families, the Islamic Community, and local associations, while sustained institutional support is almost entirely absent.

Examples of memorial sites at Bijeli Potok, the “Pilica” and “Liplje” camps, and the Memorial Center in Kalesija testify to the crimes and enable the preservation of memory; however, unfinished projects, neglected facilities, and the limited functionality of these spaces reveal deep shortcomings in the culture of remembrance. The problems include restricted access for researchers, the lack of an adequate educational function of memorial centers, and dependence on the enthusiasm of individuals, while political institutions often fail to assume responsibility.