Vučić accuses Europe of double standards over Ratko Mladić funeral; warns of 'vampiric Nazism' in parts of Europe

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on Saturday accused parts of Europe of applying double standards over the upcoming funeral of Ratko Mladić and said extremist symbols and messages have resurged in some countries. Vučić made the remarks while travelling by bus to attend the ceremonial opening of a 28-kilometre Danube corridor.

Vučić highlights perceived imbalance in reactions across the region

Speaking to reporters on the bus, Vučić said he does not expect impartiality from most Western countries. "If you expect justice, lack of hypocrisy and lack of double standards from Europe and most Western countries, I do not believe in that," he said, and added that he hopes for a somewhat different stance from the United States in future.

Vučić recalled the burial of Bosnian Army commander Rasim Delić with official honours in Bosnia and Herzegovina and contrasted that with what he described as muted reactions in Europe over events linked to those who fought against Serbs. He argued that certain armed units, which he said were called 'El Mudžahid' and attached to the Third Corps, committed serious crimes in central Bosnia.

Pointing to recent incidents in the region, Vučić criticised what he called the normalisation of extremist chants and imagery. "Some are proud of their Nazi salutes, while others are proud of their anti-fascist past," he said, and warned that in some mainstream media—"even leftist, supposedly pro‑Yugoslav" outlets—attitudes toward Yugoslavia, Serbs and others reveal a troubling tolerance for such symbols.

Despite his hard lines, Vučić urged Serbs to refrain from violence and to seek dialogue. "My message to everyone in Serbia is to refrain from violence," he said, describing attempts to calm passions at a rally in Užice and defending the right of lawful, non‑provocative gatherings while condemning those who try to shut down differing opinions.

Separately, Justice Minister Nenad Vujić said Belgrade has asked the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals to clarify whether the probe into Mladić's death will include review of the medical treatment protocols applied. "The Mechanism informed us that the president ordered an investigation, and appointed Ian Bonomy as judge. We only asked for clarification what that means and whether it will include implementation of the treatment protocol, because we have reports from some of our doctors who challenged the method of treatment in the terminal phase — namely the method of treatment when it comes to palliative care, which, besides the medical aspect, of course includes the family aspect," the minister told TV Prva.

Vujić said he expects the inquiry to establish whether World Health Organization and Council of Europe palliative-care protocols were respected and that he hopes the investigation will conclude quickly so the family can take possession of the body.

Photo: press material from the event