Ratko Mladic’s body returned to Serbia with military honours after death in Hague prison

Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb military leader convicted of genocide and war crimes, died on August 27, 2026, at age 84 in a UN detention facility in The Hague where he was serving a life sentence. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

On September 3, 2026, Mladic’s body arrived in Serbia from The Hague. It was received with full military honours as the casket, draped in a Serbian flag, was carried from the plane by six soldiers. Mladic’s son Darko and Serbia’s Justice Minister Nenad Vujic accompanied the remains. ^{[1, 3]}

The body was then transported under police escort to a Belgrade military hospital. Dozens of supporters, mainly young men, gathered on footbridges over the motorway displaying banners and lighting flares as the convoy passed, according to pro-government media. ^{[1, 3]}

A public funeral service is scheduled for Monday, September 7, 2026, in a Belgrade church, though officials have not yet confirmed exact details. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said the state will provide logistical and transport support and expects tens of thousands to attend the funeral. ^{[1, 3]}

The court has ordered a full inquiry into the circumstances of Mladic’s death, which must be completed before his family takes possession of the body. A post-mortem examination is underway at the Belgrade military hospital and the results will be shared with Mladic’s family and relevant authorities, said Dr Ivan Lekovic, deputy head of the hospital. ^[3]

The EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos criticized plans to honor Mladic with state and military tributes. She said, “The glorification of war criminals is contrary to fundamental European values and has no place in the European Union or in countries that aspire to become members.” ^[3]

Mladic was convicted for crimes committed during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1995, which resulted in approximately 100,000 deaths and 2.2 million displaced. ^[3]

The post-mortem results and full inquiry are expected before Mladic’s family takes further custody of the body ahead of the funeral service scheduled for September 7. ^{[1, 3]}