Orlovaca commemorates anniversary of the abduction, expulsion, and killing of Serbs in Orahovac

A memorial service was held today at Orlovaca Cemetery in Belgrade to mark the 28th anniversary of the mass abduction, expulsion, and killing of 84 Serbs in the municipality of Orahovac.

In the presence of family members and representatives of the Association of Families of Kidnapped and Missing Persons in Kosovo, a memorial service for all Serbs who lost their lives in the municipality of Orahovac was conducted at the Church of St. Procopius in Orlovaca by Bishop Ilarion of Novo Brdo, together with Archpriest Hadzi Branko Mitrovic, TV Most reported.

Following the service, a delegation of the Association, accompanied by the families of the 25 buried victims, laid flowers and a wreath at the memorial plaque inscribed: “So That They Are Never Forgotten.”

On behalf of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Deputy Director Veselin Kocanovic laid a wreath in memory of the victims.

During the armed offensive launched by the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) in the municipality of Orahovac between 17 and 22 July 1998, approximately 100 Serbian civilians were abducted.

Olgica Bozanic said that the day remains deeply painful and sorrowful for all affected families, as it marks the events of 18 July 1998, when the KLA attacked Orahovac and the surrounding villages.

Bozanic recalled that she was born and married in Orahovac and that she and her family survived the attack while sheltering in their apartment.

“I am still alive today because God preserved me to speak on behalf of those who were violently torn from our embrace. We have grown accustomed to disappointment and have not truly felt that commitment to ensure equal recognition and equal treatment for all victims, regardless of ethnicity. To this day, no one has been indicted or convicted for crimes committed against the Serbian people from Kosovo and Metohija,” Bozanic said.

She added that she awaits, with apprehension and caution, the verdict in The Hague against former KLA leaders, which has been announced for 16 September.

“I am waiting for that date to hear what will be said. I hope they will be justly convicted, if there is any humanity left,” she stated.

Recalling the events, Bozanic described what she called one of the most harrowing aspects of the crime.

“Explosives were even thrown onto the bodies of the dead in an attempt to destroy their mortal remains. I had the opportunity to witness it. I prayed to God that my life would also end that day, because it was the feast day of St. Lazar, the name day of my brother. Twenty-eight years have passed since our loved ones were expelled, captured, and killed, and twenty years since their remains were laid to rest, yet no one has been held accountable for this crime,” Bozanic said.

On 18 July 1998, the entire Serbian population was expelled from the villages of Retimlje and Opterusa, while civilians were detained in makeshift private prisons and detention camps.

A number of those detained were subsequently released following decisions by KLA commanders. A group of 35 captured civilians, together with the monks of the Monastery of the Holy Unmercenaries (Sveti Vraci) in Zociste, was released on 22 July 1998 through the mediation of the delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Pristina, according to a statement issued by the Association of Families of Kidnapped and Missing Persons in Kosovo and Metohija.