**Remembering the Victims of NATO’s 1999 Air Strike on RTS**
Yesterday, families, friends, and state TV staff gathered at a monument in Belgrade to pay tribute to the 16 victims who lost their lives in a NATO air strike on the Radio Television Serbia (RTS) headquarters 26 years ago. The ceremony was held on the night of Tuesday-Wednesday, marking the exact date and time when the tragedy occurred.
The air strike hit an antenna array adjacent to the building that housed studios and editing rooms, killing 16 people, including journalists, video editors, security guards, and others. President Aleksandar Vucic’s mother, Angelina, was in the building that night but narrowly escaped being in the part of the building that was hit.
**Unresolved Questions Surrounding the Tragedy**
The RTS claims that this was the first instance of a media outlet being bombed in wartime after being declared a legitimate target. According to Human Rights Watch, foreign journalists were warned of the coming air strike several days earlier. This raises questions about whether authorities had prior knowledge of the attack and failed to act.
**War Crime Accusations**
The Association of Journalists of Serbia (UNS), the RTS Branch Union, and the Union of Journalists of Serbia (SINOS) have accused NATO of committing a war crime, which none of its officials were held accountable for. This is a serious allegation that deserves attention and investigation.
**Student Blockade Skips Live Coverage**
In a bizarre twist, the pro-regime Tanjug agency blamed a student blockade for not carrying the memorial gathering live on the RTS. The students protesting at the RTS headquarters had made sure to keep quiet and avoid disrupting the ceremony, instead calling on the public to lay flowers in tribute to the victims.
As we reflect on this tragic event, it is essential to remember the sacrifices of those who lost their lives and hold accountable those responsible for such heinous acts. The fact that no one was held accountable for this war crime 26 years ago raises serious questions about accountability and justice.
**Commentary**
The fact that NATO’s actions in 1999 remain unaccounted for is a stark reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability in international conflicts. This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting journalists and media personnel who risk their lives to bring us news from the frontlines.
As we continue to navigate complex global conflicts, it is essential that we learn from the past and work towards preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
**What’s Next?**
The memorial gathering serves as a timely reminder of the need for justice and accountability. It is crucial that governments and international organizations take concrete steps to address the unresolved questions surrounding this tragedy and hold those responsible accountable.
Let us hope that this ceremony marks a turning point towards greater transparency, accountability, and justice for all victims of war crimes.
Read More @ n1info.rs
