Top government officials pay tribute to victims of crimes in Velika for the first time in 77 years

The delegation of the Government of Montenegro, led by Minister of Economic Development Jakov Milatović, laid a wreath for the victims of the crimes in Velika, who died on this day in 1944.

Thus, for the first time in 77 years, the top government officials paid a tribute to the innocent victims of crimes committed by the SS-Division Prinz Eugen, with the assistance of the Skenderbeg division.

On that occasion, hundreds of children, women and the elderly were killed, and over 300 homes were burned.

Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić appointed Minister Milatović to lead the delegation of the Government of Montenegro, because he is paying an official visit to Japan. The delegation includes Minister of the Interior Sergej Sekulović, Secretary General of the Government of Montenegro Žana Praščević Milačić, and Adviser to the Prime Minister for Legal Affairs Ivan Šikmanović.

Montenegro, as a responsible state, will take an official position on the crime in Velika, but also in Piva and all the execution sites that Montenegrin citizens shall always remember.

It is our duty towards innocent victims, but also towards future generations, so that Montenegro can find its peace.

After the wreath-laying ceremony, Bishop of Pakrac and Slavonia Jovan and Bishop of Budimlja and Nikšić Metodije served the memorial service and the holy liturgy. In addition to the delegation of the Government of Montenegro, the liturgy was attended by members of the families of the victims, as well as representatives of the parliamentary majority in the Parliament of Montenegro.