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.

Serbia has no reason to celebrate

Those reading the newspaper headlines in Serbia in the days after the UN’s highest court cleared the republic of genocide charges could hardly believe that they were all talking about the same verdict.

"Serbia is innocent!" proclaimed the Belgrade tabloid Kurir, a day after the International Court of Justice, ICJ, judgment on February 26.

"Serbia was cleared of genocide charges," declared the pro-government Politika daily.

While the liberal daily Danas pronounced, “Serbia was not found innocent."

It’s not just the press in Serbia who had differing views on the ICJ verdict - politicians and analysts also cannot agree whether the ruling gave Serbia more reasons to celebrate than to worry.

(Even without being identified, I could guess which headline belonged to Kurir. ;-) )

Read the full article here.