While Serbia remembers the darkest days of its recent history on May 3 and 4, the decision of the city authorities is to organize a celebration in the capital. The event called "Belgrade Days of the Family", scheduled for the weekend of the Day of Remembrance for the victims of mass murders in the Elementary School "Vladislav Ribnikar" and the villages of Dubona and Malo Orašje, caused a sharp reaction from the members of the Working Group for the Establishment of the Memorial Center
On the second anniversary of the massacre in the "Vladislav Ribnikar" Elementary School and on the eve of the anniversary of the tragedy in Dubona and Mali Orašje, members of the Working Group and the Multidisciplinary Team for the establishment of the Memorial Center sent a public open letter to the City Authorities of Belgrade, expressing their deep dissatisfaction with the organization of the entertainment event "Belgrade Family Days" during the weekend dedicated to the memory of the victims.
The letter states that "in the days when all of Serbia should stop and be silent, the city of Belgrade decided to celebrate", under the slogan "Belgrade has only one plan - a family day to remember". The authors of the letter point out that this is an act of complete lack of consideration, empathy and respect for the lives that were violently taken just two years ago.
"The city authorities have no excuse for this expression of extreme disrespect, not only for the families of the killed, wounded and survivors, but also for all citizens of Belgrade and Serbia," the letter states. The fact that the representatives of the City are members of the Working Group for the establishment of the Memorial Center is particularly noteworthy, which further increases the severity of their omission.
The letter also states that the Government of Serbia declared May 2024 and 3 as the Days of Remembrance for the Victims of Mass Murder in 4, and that the city authorities had to be aware of the symbolism and importance of the date. However, they decided to organize activities such as masquerade balls, majorette performances, precision games and a "survival tournament in the park" during the weekend.
"These activities are not only inappropriate for national days of remembrance, but deeply offensive in light of the tragedies that have occurred," the letter said.
The letter is signed by members of the Working Group and the Multidisciplinary Team for the establishment of the Memorial Center, including Miljana Martinović, Ognjen Božović, Aleksandra Ivanković, Dr. Dubravka Stojanović, Jasmina Nikolić, prof. Dr. Aleksandar Baucal and others.
At the end of the letter, it is clearly stated: "Just like last year, this year we mark May 3 and 4 with the word - We remember. Only the City of Belgrade decided to forget."
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