Djinjdic's Verdict

Recent articles and analysis on Serbia’s political future usually point to Serbia being at a juxtaposition, between the ultra-nationalist past, and a possible inclusive “European” future. This division has taken place both internally between political parties; as well as externally with regards to debates over the capturing of certain fugitives from justice; the issue of Kosovo, and possible admittance into the EU. This week, a street in Belgrade symbolized where Serbia's political future may lie; and perhaps what might have been.

During the week, a member of the SRS made an oh so subtle sign of support for a certain fugitive from justice in the Serbian parliament. The move caused outcries from some pro-democracy MPs. The streets of Belgrade was also the sight of a similar "show of support" as some supporters of the SRS decided "rename" a street after Ratko Mladic.
Yet, even with all of the attention "Ratko Mladic Boulevard" has received in the press; it is hard not to lose sight of the figure for whom the street is actually in the process of being named for; Zoran Djindjic; the Prime Minister who was assassinated in 2003.
This week, the direct organizers of Mr. Djidjic's murder were sentenced to prison terms. Yet, while those directly involved in Djindjic's assassination have been sentenced to prison; lingering questions still remain as to the full scope of the political atmosphere and involvement in Djindjic's death. As well as an even greater question of where Serbia would be politically today had Mr. Djindjic not been killed; and an even greater question of where Serbia's political future lies.
The answer to that verdict; unlike the trial of Mr. Djindjic's killers is far less than certain.

Preview: Djindjic verdict will leave unanswered questions

The trial of Djindjic's alleged killers concludes on Wednesday, but the verdict is unlikely to unite a nation still divided over his legacy.

After three and a half years, the murder of two key men among the 150 witnesses, and the resignation of a judge due to threats, there in no clear explanation for his killing.

"The murder of Zoran Djindjic was a political murder, but those who ordered this crime have not been revealed," said Bozo Prelevic, lawyer for a bodyguard wounded in the shooting. "The accused were only tools in other hands, purely executioners."

Full Article

Djindic Assasination Trial

Article on the closing arguments.

And from the Feral Tribune: murky background to the Belgrade trial of those charged with the 2003 murder of Serbian premier Zoran Ðindic.