Srebrenica massacre: A survivor’s fight for justice – BBC Newsnight

Summary

The transcript recounts the harrowing experiences of survivors from the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, where thousands of unarmed Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb forces. Nad Adich, one of the few survivors, reflects on his traumatic memories and the current denial of genocide in the region. The political climate remains tense, with some leaders celebrating convicted war criminals as heroes. As divisions persist along ethnic lines, Nad expresses concerns about rising nationalism in Europe, while grappling with the burden of survival in a community haunted by its past.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Srebrenica massacre in July 1995 resulted in the deaths of around 8,000 unarmed Muslim men and boys, marking it as Europe's worst atrocity since World War II.
• 😀 NAD Adich is one of the few survivors who returned to Srebrenica to show that he survived the genocide, embodying a gesture of defiance against those who committed these acts.
• 😀 The local political climate in Republika Srpska reflects a denial of the genocide, with some politicians questioning the legitimacy of international court verdicts.
• 😀 NAD expresses concern about the indoctrination of new generations in Bosnia, fueled by nationalist propaganda and a rising culture of denial.
• 😀 During the war, Srebrenica was initially a UN Safe Haven, but it was ultimately abandoned, leading to the massacre of civilians.
• 😀 The suffering of survivors is compounded by the continued celebration of convicted war criminals as heroes within certain political factions.
• 😀 The search for justice continues, with families still trying to identify the remains of their loved ones, often finding only bone fragments.
• 😀 NAD recalls the horror of his capture and escape, highlighting the personal trauma that continues to haunt him and other survivors.
• 😀 The struggle for true reconciliation in Bosnia remains difficult, with deep ethnic divides still prevalent in society.
• 😀 NAD believes that while forgiveness could be extended to those who seek it, genuine acknowledgment of past atrocities is a prerequisite for healing.

Q & A

What historical event is the transcript primarily discussing?

The transcript discusses the Srebrenica massacre in July 1995, where thousands of unarmed Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb soldiers.

Who is NAD Adich, and what role does he play in the narrative?

NAD Adich is one of the few survivors of the Srebrenica massacre. He returned to the area to raise awareness of the genocide and to defy those who deny it.

What has been the impact of political rhetoric on the survivors and their families?

The increasing denial of genocide and glorification of war criminals in the region has created a hostile environment, prompting concerns among survivors about their future and safety.

What does NAD Adich remember about his experience during the massacre?

He recalls being imprisoned and witnessing the execution of fellow captives, which left him traumatized and haunted by nightmares.

What is the significance of the international court verdicts mentioned in the transcript?

The international court has found several individuals guilty of genocide in relation to the Srebrenica massacre, but these verdicts are disputed by some local politicians.

How does NAD Adich feel about the current state of his community?

He expresses concern about the growing nationalist sentiments and the indoctrination of younger generations, which threatens the prospects of reconciliation.

What does the transcript reveal about the political climate in the region?

The political climate is tense, with calls for greater autonomy for the Bosnian Serb entity and a persistent denial of the genocide that occurred.

What is the memorial mentioned in the transcript, and why is it important?

The memorial in Potocari is dedicated to the victims of the genocide, where remains are buried each year, serving as a reminder of the atrocities committed.

What challenges do NAD and his wife, Elvisa, face as they raise their children?

They worry about the increasing hostility and propaganda against their community, leading to thoughts of leaving the region for their children's safety.

What warning does NAD Adich give regarding nationalism?

NAD warns that unchecked nationalism can lead to violence and division, reflecting on the history of conflict in the region and the ongoing dangers it poses.