Kitanovic defends himself after calls to resign over praise for Ratko Mladić
Kitanovic says family members in Bosnia survived 'thanks to the regular military units led by Mladić' and denies ever deliberately offending or harming anyone while in office.
Dalibor Kitanovic, director of the Agency for the Realisation of the Rights of Communities, published a statement on social media on 31 August 2026 after facing serious accusations and calls to resign over alleged praise for Ratko Mladić. The controversy centers on posts and comments that opponents say amount to glorifying a general convicted of war crimes.
In his post Kitanovic wrote: "Part of my closest family in Bosnia and Herzegovina survived wartime circumstances thanks to the regular military units led by Mladić."
Defence and reaction
He also insisted on his conduct in public and private life, adding: "in neither my private life, and even less while performing a public function, have I ever consciously insulted, humiliated or harmed a member of any nation, faith or ethnic community."
Kitanovic further stressed his personal record of helping people across divisions: "I have helped others regardless of which language they speak and which nation they belong to."
The statement has deepened a public debate about the responsibilities of holders of public office when commenting on historically and legally charged figures. Ratko Mladić is widely described in the controversy as a general convicted of war crimes; critics say any praise from a senior official is unacceptable and have demanded Kitanovic's resignation.
The Agency for the Realisation of the Rights of Communities did not issue an immediate additional response to the social-media post. The dispute remains active online and in political circles as calls for accountability continue.
Photo: press material from the event
