12/07/1995 | Page 6 of 14 | Voices from the Drina

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In Burnice village, there were around 500 of our men. Some Serb soldiers released military dogs who found all of us in hiding. They tied us up and cursed us: “Half of Serbia came here because of 500 Balija,” they said.

They took us to Bratunac and asked them commanders what to do with us. One of their commanders came out and said: “Take them to Vuk Karadžić school, that’s where the killings are taking place.”

There were four of us in the group who were children. They’re deporting us to Tuzla. I am praying that my dad is still alive. Babo, javi se ako si okej.

Heading with the 15,000 or so other men through the woods and hopefully to Tuzla.

Just said goodbye to Dad. He’s heading to the woods. We’ve packed him some food and we’re heading to Potočari. Dad said “perhaps we will never see each other again.” Then he told Gran “take good care of my children.” The rest of us are continuing towards Potočari.

When Dad was walking away to go into the woods, we turned around as long as we could see him. Will I ever see him again?

I’m experiencing hallucinations while walking through the woods to Tuzla. I keep seeing masses of people in white. I’m going to close my eyes and pray. Maybe that will relax me and calm me down.

Have decided with @nuhanovichasan to make a list of all the male refugees in Potočari. If @mladicratko and his forces know these men’s names are written down we think it’ll put them in a safer position.

Serb forces have begun their selection process. @unproforbih soldiers are taking civilians to Serb vehicles, where women and children are being separated from the men. Buses filled with Muslim men are vanishing.

Asking male refugees for their names feels horrible. Most of them nod, clutching at my every word. I don’t know if they’re aware of what’s happening outside. But I can’t tell them that there are Serb soldiers waiting to separate them from their children with rifle butts.