The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals has handed over the remains of Ratko Mladić to his family, with funeral arrangements scheduled for early September in Belgrade.

The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in The Hague transferred the remains of Ratko Mladić to his family at Rotterdam-The Hague Airport on Wednesday. Mladić, who was 84, died on August 27, 2026, while receiving hospital treatment in the Netherlands. His remains have since arrived in Serbia, landing at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport.

Transfer and Legal Process

The Mechanism stated that the transfer followed international law and human rights norms, involving close cooperation with Mladić's family and diplomatic representatives to meet necessary administrative and logistical requirements. The institution emphasized that responsibility for the repatriation and the final burial site rests solely with the family.

Funeral and Commemoration Plans

A commemoration for Mladić is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, at the Army House in Belgrade. His funeral is set for Monday, September 7, at the Topčider Cemetery. On the day of the funeral, his body will be displayed at the Church of Saint Luke in Vidikovac, followed by a funeral procession to the cemetery. President Aleksandar Vučić noted that security assessments anticipate tens of thousands of attendees, requiring state measures to ensure safety.

Background and UN Stance

Mladić had been in a detention hospital in The Hague since 2024, receiving palliative care for a severe health condition following multiple strokes. The Mechanism had previously denied multiple requests for his temporary release for medical treatment in Serbia. In its statement, the Mechanism expressed solidarity with the victims and survivors of the crimes for which Mladić was convicted, while condemning actions that glorify individuals found guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.