BELGRADE, Serbia – The tragic events that unfolded on that fateful morning of May 3rd, 2023, continue to haunt the residents of Belgrade. The senseless act of violence that took the lives of young school children and a school guard has left a scar on the community that refuses to fade.
Ninela Radicevic, a grieving mother who lost her 11-year-old daughter, Ana Bozovic, in the shooting, still struggles to comprehend the loss. The school shooting that rocked Serbia, a nation familiar with violent crime but not mass shootings at schools, left everyone in disbelief.
In addition to the tragic shooting at the school, a separate incident involving a 20-year-old man going on a shooting rampage outside the capital further shocked the nation. The events of that day left families shattered, communities grieving, and a nation grappling with the aftermath of such senseless violence.
For Radicevic, the pain is raw and the memories of her daughter’s room untouched serve as a constant reminder of the life that was taken too soon. As she fights to keep the memory of all the children lost alive, she reflects on the need for the country to come to terms with the tragedy and ensure that such events are not repeated.
As the anniversary of the shooting approaches, the community prepares for a day of commemoration and reflection. The program, entitled “Awakening,” aims to encourage self-reflection in a country still reeling from its violent past and struggling to address the culture of violence that persists.
Parents of the slain children have been at the forefront of efforts to honor their memory and advocate for change. Their calls for the school to be closed and transformed into a memorial center highlight their determination to prevent further tragedies.
While the government has taken steps to address gun violence and provide support for those affected, questions about the root causes of such violence linger. As Serbia grapples with the aftermath of the shootings and seeks to heal as a nation, the need for introspection and meaningful change remains paramount.
In the wake of such tragedies, the community is left to reckon with the impact of violence and the lingering sense of fear and insecurity that plagues the nation. As calls for accountability and change persist, Serbia stands at a crossroads, facing the challenge of addressing the systemic issues that have contributed to such senseless acts of violence.