Kitanović will not be dismissed after withdrawing post about Ratko Mladić — Bosniak party files criminal complaint

The director of the Agency for the Realisation of the Rights of Communities, Dalibor Kitanović, will not be removed from his post despite public criticism over a social-media message praising convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, the prime minister said.

Bosniak party files criminal complaint

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski defended the decision not to dismiss Kitanović, saying the official recognised his mistake, withdrew the post and apologised. "The gentleman withdrew his position, apologized and now we should not crucify him or seek criminal liability for something he himself realized was wrong," Mickoski said.

The statement from the government prompted immediate pushback from civil society and political opponents, who argued that any public exaltation of a legally convicted war criminal is unacceptable for a holder of public office.

The Bosniak Democratic Union today lodged a criminal complaint with the competent authorities against Dalibor Kitanović over his public actions that, the party says, glorify and praise Ratko Mladić, a legally convicted war criminal. In its announcement the party said it is unacceptable for a public official to relativize war crimes and insult the dignity of victims through his actions and public messages.

"We particularly emphasize the responsibility borne by the director of an institution whose primary role is the realization and protection of the rights of the smaller, i.e. numerically smaller ethnic communities in North Macedonia. From such an institution and its leadership we expect respect for all communities, their dignity, as well as sensitivity to the victims of war crimes," the Bosniak Democratic Union said.

The case is likely to fuel further debate over public responsibility and the limits of acceptable speech by holders of state positions charged with protecting minority rights.

Photo: press material from the event