Slunj commemorates 34 years since occupation

Slunj held commemorations on Sunday marking 34 years since the town’s occupation and the expulsion of its Croat population during the Homeland War. 

Events included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Central Monument, a memorial procession, a public forum, and a photo exhibition.

In 1991, Slunj endured a 104-day siege before being overtaken by the Yugoslav Army and Serbian paramilitary forces. More than 16,000 Croats were expelled, and hundreds were killed in war crimes committed during the occupation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Croatian Veterans Tomo Medved led the state delegation, emphasizing that the destruction and suffering endured by Slunj must never be forgotten.

“After more than a hundred days of fighting to defend Slunj, the Croatian Army could no longer hold the line. What followed was persecution - more than fifteen thousand Croats from the areas of Slunj, Cetingrad, and Rakovica were forced to leave their homes,” Medved said.

Looking ahead to the national holiday on November 18, the minister expressed confidence that the Columns of Remembrance in Vukovar and Škabrnja would be held with dignity and attended by many paying their respects to the victims of the 1991 Greater Serbian aggression.

“I believe this year’s Columns of Remembrance in both Vukovar and Škabrnja will be held with dignity,” Medved said, adding that the government would continue to provide all necessary financial and logistical support to both municipalities, as it has in previous years.