After war and terror: Is reconciliation possible? | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

Reconciliation, war crimes, victims of terrorism, perpetrators, forgiveness, remembrance, commemoration, dialogue, apology, denial, invisible barriers, solidarity, nonviolent action, transitional justice, state responsibility, historical revisionism.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Reconciliation Efforts

Unmarked Places of Suffering

• Main Point: The NGO Center for Nonviolent Action, led by Tamara Snovic, places signs at unmarked sites of war crimes in Bosnia and Herzegovina to raise awareness and promote remembrance.
• Specific Details: The signs read, "An unmarked place of suffering. At this location, inhuman acts were carried out against people during the war. These events mustn't be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with all victims that it may never happen to anyone else again."
• Methodology: The NGO uses a "gorilla style" approach, informing only the police due to anticipated negative reactions and lack of official permission.
• Impact: The actions aim to break down "invisible barriers" within society, which remains divided 30 years after the war.

Inter-ethnic Dialogue and Site Visits

• Main Point: The NGO organizes meetings between war veterans and former camp inmates from various ethnic groups (Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Macedonians, Montenegrins) to foster reconciliation.
• Example: A gathering in Konitz brings together former enemies to visit sites where prisoners were tortured, abused, and killed.
• Quote: Dalmir Mishkovich, a Croatian lawyer working for the NGO, emphasizes the value of this work in the Balkan region, stating his desire to "fight everything connected with war" due to being born during the conflict.

Chelichi Detention Camp Visit

• Main Point: The group visits the former detention camp of Chelichi, where Croats and Bosniaks held Serbs prisoner in 1992.
• Specific Details: Slodan Kajic, a former prisoner, initially hesitated to return due to trauma.
• Process: The group lays flowers and marks the location as a site of suffering.
• Impact: The visit allows former enemies to display readiness for reconciliation through spontaneous interactions and discussions.

Helodrome Camp and Denial

• Main Point: The group is denied entry to the Helodrome camp, where Bosnian Croats held Bosniaks prisoner from 1992-94.
• Specific Details: Aen Batlak, a former prisoner, expresses his lack of hatred towards his captors and emphasizes the importance of reconciliation. Emir Harovich recounts the daily abuse and humiliations he suffered.
• Quote: Aen Batlak: "I don't even hate those who were our executioners. May God judge them. I'm happy because I never learn to hate. Whoever hates is consumed by hate. The person I hate isn't harmed by it. Right? That's my victory over the ones who did this to us."
• Apology: Mir Kotchovich Tadage, a former Bosnian Croat soldier, apologizes for the deeds of his comrades, highlighting the need for broader societal reconciliation.

Zamelia School: A Site of Atrocities

• Main Point: The group visits an elementary school in Zamelia, Republic Silska, which was used as a prisoner of war and torture camp for Bosniaks and Croats by Bosnian Serb troops.
• Specific Details: Guide Cena Pseudo America describes the horrific conditions, including torture, rape, and mass graves.
• Data: The fates of 137 people remain unresolved, with undiscovered mass graves believed to exist.

Spain: Terrorism and Reconciliation

Epecor Department Store Bombing

• Main Point: Roant Manique, a victim of the 1987 ETA bombing of the Epecor department store in Barcelona, advocates for victims of terrorism and seeks reconciliation.
• Specific Details: The attack killed 21 people and injured 45. Roant describes the moment of the explosion as sounding like "a nut cracking" and the intense heat he experienced.
• Action: Roant prepares the annual commemoration event and fights for compensation and support for victims.

Dialogue with Perpetrators

• Main Point: Roant meets with one of the terrorists behind the Epecor attack after receiving a letter expressing remorse.
• Process: Roant consults with his psychologist, who believes the terrorist is sincere.
• Outcome: Roant accepts the terrorist's remorse, though he hasn't forgiven him. He emphasizes that everyone's experience is different.

Barcelona Memorial and Commemoration

• Main Point: The Barcelona memorial, campaigned for by Roant, commemorates all victims of terrorism.
• Conflict: There were debates over whether the memorial should be exclusively for Epecor victims or for all victims of terrorism.
• Event: A memorial ceremony is held, attended by victims of terrorism, including Par Zabala, whose brother was killed by the GAL, a secret state unit.

Par Zabala's Story and Reconciliation

• Main Point: Par Zabala shares her experience as a victim of state terrorism and advocates for recognition and support for all victims.
• Specific Details: Her brother was illegally arrested and tortured by the GAL in 1983.
• Dialogue: Par receives a letter from a former member of GAL expressing solidarity and taking partial responsibility.
• Police Interaction: Two Catalonian Regional Police officers express their sympathy and acknowledge her dedication to human rights.

Continued Fight for Victims' Rights

• Main Point: Roant and Par continue to fight for the rights of all victims of terrorism, including state recognition and support.
• Quote: Roant expresses frustration with the state's negligence, stating, "Who's the professional here? The state isn't taking responsibility."

Synthesis/Conclusion

The video explores the complex and challenging processes of reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Spain, both countries grappling with the legacies of violence and terrorism. It highlights the importance of remembrance, dialogue, and acknowledging the suffering of all victims, regardless of the perpetrator. The efforts of individuals and NGOs to create spaces for dialogue and to mark sites of atrocities are crucial steps towards healing and preventing future conflicts. However, the video also reveals the persistent challenges of denial, historical revisionism, and the lack of state responsibility in addressing past injustices. The stories of Roant, Par, Tamara, and others demonstrate the courage and resilience required to confront the past and build a more just and peaceful future.