General Nebojsa Pavkovic (BETAPHOTO/MILAN OBRADOVIC)
The Yugoslav Army’s former chief of staff, Nebojsa Pavkovic, who was sentenced by the Hague Tribunal to 22 years in prison for war crimes in Kosovo and Metohija, died on Oct. 20 in Belgrade at the age of 79.
Pavkovic had served his sentence in Finland, but was released early on Sept. 28 at the request of the Serbian government, due to serious health issues.
The general held numerous positions in the Yugoslav People’s Army. In 1994 he was transferred to the Pristina Corps in Kosovo and Metohija, taking command in 1998.
In 2009, Pavkovic was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to 22 years in prison for deportations, forced displacements, murders, persecutions, and other inhumane acts.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic sent a telegram of condolence to Pavkovic’s family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
“Throughout his long career, he left his mark as an officer who performed his duty with a strong sense of responsibility, dedication, and loyalty to Serbia, caring for the people he worked with and fulfilling the tasks entrusted to him,” Vucic said.
Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut stated that “with Pavkovic’s passing begins a period of deep and lasting remembrance that history will surely record as a struggle of a small nation against great powers.”
To get full access to all content of interest see our
Subscription offer
Or
Register for free
And read up to 5 articles each month.
Already have an account? Please Log in.