Serbian and European far-rightists honor slain attacker at US Embassy in Belgrade

With torches, wreaths of flowers and an organized march, far-right groups from Serbia and several European countries have commemorated in Belgrade Zoran Vujovic, the young man who lost his life during the burning of the United States Embassy in 2008, during protests against the declaration of Kosovo's independence.

The memorial rally was held on February 21 and, like in previous years, was organized by the extremist groups Serbian Action and Club 451. Representatives of far-right organizations from Greece, Austria, France, and Belgium also participated in the march.

Participants first gathered near St. Mark's Church, where they lit torches, and then marched to the former location of the US Embassy in central Belgrade. There, they laid wreaths and, in a ritual repeated every year, called out Zoran Vujović's name three times, responding with the chant "present."

In a post on Telegram, Serbian Action described the rally as a “commemorative march and rebellion march against the occupation of Kosovo.”

For Serbian far-right groups and some similar European organizations, Vujović's death is presented as a heroic act. According to sociologist Ballsha Llubarda, co-author of the "Brothers in Harm" report, these events serve not only for symbolism, but also for strengthening informal ties between extremist groups.

"Such events are used for networking and for considering further strategies. Under normal circumstances, these connections do not have a wide impact, but in times of political crises or wars, they can produce more serious social consequences," Llubarda told Radio Free Europe.

Zoran Vujović lost his life during the “Kosovo is Serbia” protest, organized by Serbian authorities in February 2008, following Kosovo’s declaration of independence. The protest turned violent when a group of hooligans attacked the US Embassy with rocks and flares, setting the building on fire.

Vujovic entered the burning building and died of asphyxiation caused by carbon monoxide. Serbian authorities have said he had no gunshot wounds and that alcohol was found in his blood.

The Serbian state does not officially mark Vujovic's death. However, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has cited it as a symbol of tragedy, accusing police of failing to protect the diplomatic facility in 2008.

Two trials have been held in Serbia over the burning of the US Embassy. In one case, four people were acquitted due to lack of evidence, while in another case, against senior police officials, the trial is still ongoing after the proceedings were resumed.

The United States Embassy, ​​which is currently located in a different location in Belgrade, has not commented on the memorial rally.