Belgrade, Serbia – The tragic events that unfolded at the Vladislav Ribnikar school in central Belgrade last year left the entire nation in a state of shock and grief. Eleven-year-old Ana Bozovic was one of the victims of a school shooting that took the lives of eight children, a school guard, and left seven others wounded on the morning of May 3, 2023.
The incident marked a rare occurrence in Serbia, as mass shootings are not common in the Balkan nation. The community was further rocked by another shooting rampage just a day later, where a 20-year-old man killed nine people near the capital and wounded 12 others, mostly young individuals.
In the wake of the tragedy, families of the victims have been advocating for remembrance and awareness to prevent such a horrific event from happening again. Ninela Radicevic, whose daughter Ana was among those killed, has been leading efforts to honor the memory of the children lost in the shooting. She believes that the country must not forget the significance and tragedy of that moment.
The community has rallied together to ensure that the memory of May 3rd is kept alive through various events and memorials. Parents of the slain children have been at the forefront of these efforts, pushing for the school to be turned into a memorial center and raising awareness about the importance of addressing underlying issues that contribute to such violence.
Despite efforts by the government to increase security measures in schools and crack down on guns, there are lingering questions about the root causes of such violence. Psychology professor Dragan Popadic suggests that the trauma of the shootings has created a sense of fear and insecurity, prompting activism but not necessarily addressing the deeper societal issues at play.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, many are reflecting on the need for introspection and self-reckoning. Radicevic emphasizes the importance of stopping to acknowledge the mistakes made and working towards creating a safer and more compassionate society for the future.
The upcoming anniversary of the shootings will be marked by a day of commemoration and reflection near the school, as the community continues to seek healing and understanding in the aftermath of the tragic events.