Exclusive: Ajanović Speaks Out – The High-Stakes Trial of Konjic Defenders in the US
Defenders of Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Story of Courage and Resilience
Hamza Ajanović, a former officer of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, shares his insights on the trial of Kemal Mrndžić, a member of the RBiH Army from Konjic, who was accused of alleged war crimes in Celebici prison.
The trial, held in Boston, USA, proved the innocence of the accused and exposed the involvement of Serbian intelligence services in an attempt to discredit the defenders of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ajanović explains that the city of Konjic, strategically located on the M17 route, was a crucial point for the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond.
After the multiparty elections in 1990 and the breakup of Yugoslavia, a referendum was organized, which was attempted to be stopped by bombs and violence. The Serbian army was created and armed in the area of Konjic municipality, with the aim of connecting with Hadžići and realizing the agreement by Karađorđev, signed on March 25, 1991.
Tuđman and Milošević, the leaders of Croatia and Serbia, respectively, agreed on the division of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the Neretva River as the border. The Serbs who worked in the Municipality of Konjic refused to obey the legitimate authorities and instead formed the Serbian militia and army. Civilians from Konjic, led by Đuro Kuljanin, left the city and went to Borke, where they established artillery strongholds that attacked the city for four years.
The consequences of this organized campaign against the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina were devastating. 250 civilians were killed in Konjic, including 113 of military age, 137 women and old people, and 23 children. Despite the documentation of these crimes by the Konjic public security station, no one was held accountable.