Today marks seven years since the assassination of Oliver Ivanović, a prominent Serbian politician from Kosovo. As on every January 16, commemorations are being held in his memory, both in North Mitrovica and Belgrade.
At 8:15 a.m.—the exact time Ivanović was fatally shot—his family, friends, local opposition politicians, activists, and citizens gathered in front of the offices of his party, Civic Initiative „Freedom, Democracy, Justice“ (GI SDP), in North Mitrovica. Among those paying their respects were members of the „Kreni-promeni“ movement, “Lokalni front” from Kraljevo and PUF from Zrenjanin.
In Belgrade, a candle lighting ceremony is being held at St. Mark’s Church, continuing the tradition of honoring Ivanović’s memory in the Serbian capital.
On January 16, 2018, Ivanović was shot six times in the back as he arrived at his party’s offices in North Mitrovica. Despite extensive investigations, the identity of those who ordered and carried out the killing remains unknown.
In June 2024, the Basic Court in Pristina sentenced Marko Rošić, Nedeljko Spasojević, Dragiša Marković, and Žarko Jovanović to a total of 22 years in prison for their involvement in the murder. However, two other defendants, Silvana Arsović and Rade Basara, were acquitted.
„Silence Speaks Volumes“
“Seven years have passed, and when they say silence can speak, it truly does. This silence says more than a thousand words, and the fact that nothing has been done also says more than a thousand words,” said Marina Ivanović, the late politician’s widow.
Reflecting on the day of his assassination, she remarked, “We cannot forget the moment when Mitrovica fell silent—when, I believe, all of Serbia fell silent. We are here again today, and the silence persists.”
Despite the ongoing silence, hope remains alive for those who gather each year to commemorate his life and call for action. “We remember. We gather here in the same way every year. We will not forget—ever. We will keep fighting and hoping that someone will finally act. We have the right to think and to hope,” she added.
„A Legacy of Dialogue“
Dejan Nedeljković, a former colleague and close ally of Ivanović, also paid tribute. He highlighted Ivanović’s dedication to peaceful resolution and dialogue as the cornerstone of his political philosophy.
“His work left an indelible mark on all of us—showing how politics should be conducted, how the fight for peace and dignity of the Serbian people in Kosovo should be led,” said Nedeljković.
Ivanović believed in resolving disputes through dialogue rather than violence. Tragically, he fell victim to the very violence he sought to overcome. “Violence defeated him and, in a way, all of us here in Kosovo,” he lamented.
Nedeljković underscored the void left by Ivanović’s absence, especially during challenging times for the Serbian community in Kosovo. “Today, seven years later, we see how much we miss a leader like Ivanović. In the situation we face now, it is crucial that we follow the path he set to ensure our survival here.”
“Ivanović’s Life and Death – a Modern-Day Tragedy”
„Bloody hands do not belong only to the one who pulled the trigger. They belong to everyone responsible for his death,“ declared Savo Manojlović, leader of the Kreni-promeni movement.
Manojlović joined Ivanović’s family, friends, and supporters to honor the late politician’s memory.
Addressing the gathered media, Manojlović described Ivanović’s life and death as a modern-day tragedy.
„The very fact that he rests 300 kilometers away from the place he lived, fought for, and which likely wouldn’t exist as it does without his struggle in 1999, speaks volumes about the tragedy of this act,“ he said.
Manojlović emphasized that the responsibility for Ivanović’s death extends beyond the individual who pulled the trigger on January 16, 2018. „Responsibility lies within a triangle: the international community, Pristina, and Belgrade,“ he asserted.
The Kreni-promeni leader criticized the role of Belgrade and its media in discrediting Ivanović. „From Belgrade, through the Pink TV network, we saw a monstrous campaign against him. Pristina pursued him through the courts, while the international community remained silent,“ Manojlović said.
Despite his tragic end, Manojlović highlighted Ivanović’s enduring political legacy. „His beliefs in freedom, justice, and the importance of institutions are values upheld by young people across Serbia today,“ he stated. „There is no greater political success than for someone’s legacy to outlive them.“
„Keys to Kosovo“
Another voice at the commemoration was Dragoljub “Bubo” Dražević, a longtime resident of North Mitrovica. Speaking in a reflective tone, he invoked the metaphor of spiritual guardianship.
Oliver and Lazar hold the keys to Kosovo – Dražević said, referencing the medieval Serbian Prince Lazar. “As long as Oliver’s spirit endures, so do we, and so do those keys.”
Dražević also criticized contemporary actions that threaten the cultural and historical identity of Kosovo. “Before the eyes of Europe, we see theft—of Gračanica, Dečani Monastery, Peć Patriarchate, the lifeline of our heritage. But Oliver is up there with Lazar, and they hold the keys.”
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