DOCUMENTARY "ŠEKOVIĆI - SCARS OF WAR" PREMIERED

ŠEKOVIĆI, MAY 19 /SRNA/ – A documentary by author Ljubiša Milutinović was premiered in Šekovići today, and it tells the story of one of the most monstrous crimes in the Birč area - the suffering of the villagers of the village of Jelačići on Orthodox New Year's Day 1994.

The documentary "Šekovići - Scars of War" was shown as part of a ceremonial academy in the House of Culture, which concluded the celebration of the 34th anniversary of the formation of the First Birč Infantry Brigade of the Army of Republika Srpska.

Miltutinović said in his address at the academy that the movie is a testimony to the suffering of the villagers of Jelačići and that it was filmed in order to preserve the truth.

He noted that the monument in Jelačići has been desecrated several times, and once again called for the culture of memory to be nurtured so that the younger generations know the truth.

"We have interlocutors, those who were directly involved in that battle. We learned what crimes occurred when the exchange took place. The second part of the film deals with three wartime destinies of war invalids, who carry scars throughout their lives. We told three stories about three Serb fighters - Diko Damjanović, Radomir Šanjić and Živan Milić," said Milutinović.

This is Milutinović's 16th documentary and will be available on the YouTube channel "Mali Div".

The ceremonial academy was attended by Danilo Zoljić, on behalf of the Veterans' Organization of the Republika Srpska, the commander of the Fourth Armored Brigade, Colonel Radovan Tačić, representatives of veterans' organizations from Šekovići and neighboring municipalities, a delegation of the Third Republika Srpska Regiment of the Armed Forces of BiH, the mayor of the municipality of Šekovići Miladin Lazić, as well as numerous citizens.

Previously, a memorial service was held in the Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in Šekovići for the 363 fallen soldiers of the brigade, after which numerous delegations laid wreaths at the central monument, as well as in the Memorial Room.

The First Birč Infantry Brigade was formed on May 19, 1992, and played one of the key roles in the defense of the people and the area of the Birac region during the Patriotic War.

In the battle to defend Serbian territories, 363 fighters from the Birč Brigade were killed and 851 were wounded.