Djuric: 21 years ago, Europe witnessed one of the darkest chapters in its history

Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Djuric, stated on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of the pogrom that Europe had witnessed one of the darkest chapters in its history, a tragedy that left deep scars on humanity’s conscience.

"On March 17-18, 2004, a large-scale pogrom unfolded in Kosovo and Metohija, marking an unprecedented wave of violence, loss of life, ethnic cleansing, and the destruction and desecration of cultural and religious heritage. 20 lives were tragically lost, including 9 Serbs who were brutally murdered, and 11 Albanians who perished in clashes with international security forces. More than 900 Serbs were wounded, while 4,012 were forcibly displaced from their homes," Djuric wrote on the social network X.

In his post, he stated that on that day, six Serbian cities and nine villages were ethnically cleansed, with 935 Serbian houses and 10 public buildings destroyed, set on fire, or damaged.

"The destruction of 19 monasteries and 16 churches, along with the damage to over 100 other religious buildings dealt a devastating blow to Serbian and Orthodox heritage in our southern province. Thousands of invaluable frescoes, icons, and sacred items were lost forever, as well as centuries-old records of Serbian presence and existence in Kosovo and Metohija," Djuric wrote.

He emphasized that with honoring the victims, every year on this day, "we vow to never forget this horrific chapter of the 21st-century Europe."

"Serbia stands strong in its commitment to protecting its people and heritage, and we continue to seek justice and accountability for this atrocity," Djuric concluded.