Djindjic assassination: What next for Serbia?

Thousands of citizens filed past the coffin of murdered Serbian leader Zoran Djindjic as his funeral took place in Belgrade on Saturday.

The Serbian Government believes a criminal gang was responsible for the prime minister's assassination on Wednesday.

The authorities want to question 20 people in connection with the killing, including a former commander of a special police unit, Milorad Lukovic, said to be one of the gang's leaders.

A state of emergency has been declared, under which some civil rights can be curtailed and the army assumes police duties.

What is your reaction to the assassination? With the federal government of Serbia and Montenegro in flux and no heir apparent to Mr Djindjic, what is in store for Serbia? Will it bring instability to the federation?

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This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.

Your reaction:

It's such a shame that good people, who fight for peace, democracy and prosperity end up tragically. As a Bosnian I admired his work because he was one of the few Serbian politicians who was not a nationalist and who accepted the truth about the Balkans conflict. I hope he remains a great example to many.
Sabina, Bosnia & Herzegovina

It is hard to believe someone else will have enough braveness to stand in his place Ana and Eva, Serbia

We really don't know if we can hope that one day here will be better. In every case, Mr Djindjic was the man we belived could pull us from this darkness. It is hard to believe that someone else will have enough braveness to stand in his place.
Ana and Eva, Serbia

The murder of Zoran Djindjic was a terrible thing, and many people in the world share your sorrow. Reform can still happen in Serbia. Vojislav Kostunica is popular, is a reformer, and is looking for work; offer him the job, and keep Serbia going in a positive direction.
Freda, US

The death of the youthful Mr Djindjic, is a loss to the Balkans hopes of better days. The road ahead will be harder without his courage and insight. It would be a great honour to his name to continue the reform that he gave his life for. That part of the world that is short on great leaders.
Gary Walsh, London.

It is us who have to think, to change, to face the reality, to see the truth, including the one about ourselves. He gave his life for us. Comparing to that, our assignment is easy. Zoran Djindjic was one and only and unfortunately many people didn't realise until now. I am grateful to him for being such a great man, for everything he did for us. I am also asking him for forgiveness because we didn't save him. Rest in peace.
Nevena, Serbia and Montenegro

We will realise that his energy is in us, and we will continue following his ideas Natasha, Serbia

I was naive to think that such kind of energy is indestructible. There was no sensible, rational person in Serbia who didn't like him! For some time, after this shock, maybe we will realise that his energy is in us, and we will continue following his ideas.
Natasha, Serbia

On a handwritten piece of paper in front of the government building where our PM was shot, lies this message: "You were our window to the world." Besides this true fact, Zoran was a true leader and most of all a good person. Serbia will never be able to recover from this loss, but the people here are decided to continue with their lives, just as Mr Djindjic wanted. We will eventually be a democratic country, and the memory on this courageous man remains.
Hajni, Serbia

This crime was committed by some really unstable people. They will be brought down with a hard fall.
Aleskander Strumini, Macedonia

So much sorrow and despair! If he represented so many people's hopes and dreams, then surely his spirit and deeds live on. Keep hope. I keep hope for the future, even though I've got an illegitimate president who likes to wage infinite wars!
Jackie Krokar, Boston, MA, USA

I'm glad that people around the world will now pay attention and see what is the reality in Serbia and Montenegro. Help us to keep Dr Djindjic's vision alive after him.
Vlado, Serbia and Montenegro

Serbians all over the world should rally together and support many other Djindjics that no assassin's bullets can manage to stop Dr Nkule Laibuta, Slovenia/Kenya

Djindjic's assassination should be the rallying cry that should see Serbia and the Balkans dig in their heels deep in continuing and bringing to a definite conclusion the fight for democracy. Democracy free from organised crime and political blackmail by those who believe in the use of force. Serbians all over the world should rally together in putting forth and supporting many other Djindjics that no assassin's bullets can manage to stop. Long live Zoran and all the Zorans of this world.
Dr Nkule Laibuta, Slovenia/Kenya

The assassination of Djindjic may turn back the clock and frustrate reform efforts in Serbia. I'm afraid ultra nationalists may get the upper hand once again in Serbia and cause another Balkan tragedy. Now it's up to the Serbs themselves to prevent this kind of gloomy forecast. The role of the international community is no less important in helping Serbia not to plunge into a chaos and to continue its reform efforts.
J. Park, South Korea

We can only hope that this violence turns the people of Serbia more decisively to peace.
Niko, Montenegro

A young dedicated human being shot down in the street for believing in something better for Serbia. A truly sad day for the Balkans. My heart goes out to his family.
Terry, USA

This shouldn't have happened, we are the worst nation, we are killing each other. That's sad.
Predrag, Yugoslavia

There is a great risk that organised crime could undo his reforms permanently Jorge Reyes, Canada

Serbia has had many sad episodes over its history; yet this one represents a great loss that I don't think would ever be repaired. Djindjic had in mind inserting Serbia into the European Union (which once I imagined impossible, but look at Slovenia, or even Bulgaria, which are getting closer to admission). There is a great risk that organised crime could undo his reforms even permanently.
Jorge Reyes, Canada

It's a terrible tragedy for democracy and for Djindjic's family. The man had a wife and two kids. Politics forgets that.
Djole, United States

Serbia is still paying the price of Milosevic regime. He is in Hague, but in his genocide campaign, Milosevic was followed by thousands of criminals. They are out there presenting a serious threat for democratic changes.
Antonio , USA

Although I feel great sadness in my heart, there is also an anger and fury, which I hope we will be able to use against those who thought they will win by killing the face of democracy and future of Serbia. I truly hope that we will stand united and finish the job that Mr. Djindjic so bravely started and so passionately tried to finish.
Katarina, Serbia

It is indeed sad that such visionary men like Djindjic, Rabin and Gandhi are killed by the their own people. They are true martyrs.
Kamalneet, India

"We did not like him very much, but he was a hard worker" my father said to me on the phone from Belgrade.
Milica, London, United Kingdom

Djindjic was clearly one of the most important reformists in Central and Eastern Europe, and his death is a terrible blow for Serbia and Montenegro's democratisation process. And it is a terrible victory for the country's conservative forces.
Boris Planer, Germany

I don't have much hope for my children's future in this country Milan, Serbia

I am devastated. This is the price for not doing what was necessary on and immediately after October 5, 2000. The big clean-up of criminals on all levels never happened, they held on to their positions and they still rule Serbia. I realised long ago that I will not live to see better tomorrow, but right now, I don't have much hope left for my little children's tomorrow in this country.
Milan, Serbia

He was the only politician in Serbia who really gave his life for ideas in which he believed. People here are still poisoned by Milosevic's brainwashings. Djindjic was too good for this terrible country. Zoran you inspired me! No future for Serbia, right wing will get stronger, no future for me.
20-year-old student, Serbia

Serbian society is so deeply criminalized that I don't see the way out. He was our last hope. Many were criticizing Mr Djindjic, but who will be brave enough to take his place now? Until all war criminals (and I am 100% certain it is them who organised this) are not in jail, that country ain't gonna be my home anymore.
Igor, Somewhere Abroad

Democracy has always been a dangerous business.
Brian Nann, New Jersey, USA

He was a great man; he did a lot for Serbia and for its citizens. I am very afraid now, for future and for Serbia.
Ana Stevanovic, Serbia

I feel great pity for Serbia, for having lost the only man with clear understanding of what needs to be done to bring the country out of the dark ages imposed by Milosevic. And the only one with enough courage to attempt it.
Isabella, USA

As a Kosovo Albanian, I have to say that this assassination tells us how some Serbs are reluctant to embrace the democratic changes in Serbia.
Ben, Kosovo

People of Serbia and Montenegro should condemn his assassination, but will not miss his policies Vladimir, UK/Montenegro

Mr Djindjic, politician without any morals, loudly and shamefully called for Nato to bomb his country and people as long as it takes to change the regime at the time. His questionable moral values made him one of the most unpopular politicians in his country. Ordinary people of Serbia and Montenegro should condemn his assassination, but will not miss his policies.
Vladimir, UK/Montenegro

He wanted democracy in Serbia and Montenegro and this is what he gets.
Adis, Bosnia

The mafia story is just too incredible. It smells more like a political murder. Djindjic wasn't only in war against criminals and corruption, but also in a battle for political power. This is a big handicap for Kostunica's Government: Djindjic was one of the most competent and modern politicians at his Cabinet.
Maz, Austria

Serbia lost one of the very few persons that was willing to deal with the marriage of organised crime and corrupt politics in Serbia. Whatever his links or political past may be, there is no denying that with Djindjic at the helm Serbia slowly began moving towards a more open, civil society.
Ivan, Romania

This is a return deep into the night, where we used to be.
Dejan Djurdjevic, SCG

Djindjic never found it appropriate to at least apologise to his Croatian, Bosnian and Kosovo Albanian neighbours for the atrocities committed by members of his own people, but rather chose to ignore the past ten years of Serbian terror. In comparison with other Serbian politicians, he might have been a democrat, but has never been one in the true sense of the word.
Dalibor Horvat, Croatia

It is such shame that the man who was fighting for the democracy and Serbia's place in Europe, died because of mafia fight. It is shame that people now talk about his possible connection with mafia, without thinking how great men he was.
Dragana, Luxembourg

May his death spark a heart of real change for this country once and for all V Curtis, USA

Any time someone loses their life trying to help others my heart goes out to their friends and family but this time it goes out to the very people and country he tried to help set on a higher elevation then in the past. My condolences especially go out to his loved ones. May his death spark a heart of real change for this country once and for all.
V Curtis, USA

Mr Djindjic was truly a fighter for democracy and will be sadly missed. But let's not assume that there was any "nationalist" motive behind this. I worked in Serbia for some time and can say that the Serbs are no more "nationalist" that any other European nation - including British. This evil act of terrorism was done by mafia, because Mr Djindjic declared war on all criminals in Serbia.
Brian Byrne, UK

Well from Bosnian point of view, Djindjic has never been a real democratic leader. He was just a puppet in the hands of EU and USA playing a democrat which he never was. Do not forget that he was brought to power by the same mob that brought him down.
Dzenan Causevic, Bosnia

I would like to respond to the Bosnian gentlemen who had a nerve to label Mr Djindjic a non-democrat and, moreover, associate millions of Serb citizens who brought this man to power with the mob that killed him. Mr Djindjic was a remarkable man, a true democrat, a politician above the Balkan's standards. Instead of criticising him, Bosnians should regard him as an excellent example of a politician that had a bright vision of the region's future. Rest in peace you admirable man.
Patrick, England

The international community bears a great responsibility for having used bullying tactics against all Serbs, not just those responsible for the war crimes. Dr Djindjic, by cooperating so closely with those who demonised all Serbs, might have been seen as a traitor to his people. I do grieve for the loss of a young and a brilliant person. No one should die in such a violent manner.
R. Barone, Canada

This is a sign for the UN to step in this country and help it through the mourning and security of the government so that the corrupt cannot infiltrate into power.
Fernan, United States

God gave us this wonderful man. It is great pity that he did not finish what he intended to do. Rest in peace.
Srdjan, Serbia

Just as we relaxed, the ugly finger of the past showed up again Daniel, Serbia

Just as we relaxed, the ugly finger of the past showed up again. But the real truth is that, people like these murderers are our main and biggest problem RIGHT NOW!
Daniel, Serbia

A bad day for the Balkans? Every day is a bad day in the Balkans. After years of sanctions our economy is shattered, people did what they had to do to survive. Thanks to the policies of the West the once proud nation has been reduce to internal quarrel and external begging for aid it was promised.
Zdravko, Yugoslavia

Maybe this should be starting point for Serbian people to do something. Stop tolerating criminals, nationalists, and politicians who just sit in a parliament and waste our valuable time. Let's not rely anymore on messianic figures which either turn out to be despotic or get killed. Let's stop waiting for somebody to save us, I am afraid nobody will do this work but ourselves.
Mishko, UK/Srbija

I think those who dislike democracy in Serbia and support Milosevic's autocracy are behind this assassination. But Serbia will go ahead as a democratic country because the people love democracy.
Alim Zaman, Bangladesh

Serbia and its people need to find a way to destroy terrorism and mafia and move forward. I am absolutely gutted and disgusted for Serbian people. Just when the world thought they were getting on their feet. Serbia needs another Djindjic urgently to get rid of these evil people.
Sandra Banac, Reading, UK

The irony is, that the man that was the real instrument of bringing about a true democracy in Yugoslavia, and could have been removed from office by democratic means, was murdered. He was the greatest post WW2 leader Serbia has had. Freedom, justice, and democracy in the Balkans are indebted to him.
Milorad Sijan, UK

I am ashamed now by this assassination Ivana, Serbia

Zoran Djindjic death is a tragic loss for people of Serbia. I'm even unable to use words powerful enough to describe what open-minded men and women who still live in our country can feel or think. As I was ashamed during the twelve-year period of Milosevic devastating dictatorship, and during that awful time while NATO bombed us, I am ashamed now by this assassination. We need strong support from EU and strong measures to preserve once chosen democratic path.
Ivana, Serbia

This disaster gave us the feeling of insecurity and fear for our future, especially for young people here.
Jelena, Serbia

Indeed, it is a sad day for the Serbian people. But a nation is more than one man. All democrats must carry on the policies of Zoran Djindjic. May he rest in peace.
Bosko, England

When we stopped despairing and started to see the light at the end of a decade long tunnel of Milosevic's terror, dark powers struck once again. Why do I need to be once again thrown in the shattered state of mind, not knowing what would happen to me and my closest next morning. God help Serbs and Serbia!
Nebojsa Jovanovic, Serbia

When they can't shoot their neighbours, they start shooting at each other. Terrible loss for Serbia.
Korab, Kosovo

It is extremely rare to find an individual in this region who is strongly focused on the improvement of the society and economy. Zoran Djindjic was the face of Serbian people who were in the desperate need of image makeover. I sincerely hope that there is another individual who has the same calibre as Dr Djindjic and is able to present the good image of Serbia to the world.
Marie Otchi, Croatia

I think that the Serbian people lost their very true leader Denise, Albania

I think that the Serbian people lost, unfortunately, their very true leader, the person who really aimed at raising Serbia's prestige in the world as much as possible, and the one and only interlocutor for the future status of Kosovo. I am deeply sorry and I mourn Mr Djindjic together with all the Serbian citizens who loved, followed and trusted him.
Denise, Albania

The sanctions made our country the mafia country. People cannot struggle against totalitarian terror and the poverty in same time. Mafia becomes too strong in such situations. And bombing was the drop that filled the glass. The death of our Zoran is the result of all that we survived last ten years.
Gordana, Serbia

It is just one of the many assassinations we have seen in Serbia in the last 100 years. Serbs need to learn a lot to be able to solve their issues peacefully.
Benno, San Francisco

"Serbs need to learn a lot to be able to solve their issues peacefully" - please, I beg, don't generalise when speaking of Serbian people. This is exactly what Zoran worked on fixing... Serbians are not evil, nationalist, murderous people like the whole world seems to think. Like anywhere in the world, there are serious criminals amongst them who are the ones responsible for this poor country losing their pride, their name, and finally, their only hope - Zoran Djindjic. RIP
Monica, UK/Yugoslavia

It is a dark day for the people and friends of Serbia. Prime Minister Djindjic was a visionary leader who believed in the future of his country. I hope that his death will not be in vain, but will act as a catalyst for the people to stand together and rid the country of its criminal elements once and for all.
Chan To, Hong Kong, SAR

Many of us Serbs saw him as a western stooge, buy deep down we knew that what he was doing was only going to help us in the long run. It is sad that he lost his life trying to help his people.
Milenko P, Chicago, US

What a terrible crime and act of terrorism. Mr Djindjic was one of the few Serbian politicians who had the guts to stand up to the hated Milosevic.
Aidan Work, New Zealand.

It is very sad that good people don't live to carry on their good deeds Ese, Nigeria

It is very sad that good people don't live to carry on their good deeds. We are living in a sick and crazy world. What is the possible motive for the killing? Because he was working to bring peace and stability to his country?
Ese, Nigeria

Mr Djindjic was the only politician with healthy mind, looking forward and building a healthy base for the Serbian society. This criminal act of evil minds will cost the Serbian people a very, very long time to achieve the goals of Mr Djindjic vision for the future of his country.
Zdravko USA, USA

Djindjic was a great man, but there are millions of great people in Serbia who will carry on with his deeds and message. Do not let this event slow down your progress, the future is in front of you and the world will always be by your side.
Michal, Poland

He was a visionary of modern Serbia. Now, as he would do it, it's time, after this step back, to make several steps forward. It was a great honour having him as a leader. RIP.
Nikola, Serbia/USA

Well, the past two years were obviously too good to be true... the dream is over. Where do we go from here? I'm very afraid of the answer.
Mario, Serbia and Montenegro.

I fear we shall soon be like our cousins Russians-ruled and terrorized by mafia Petar, Serbia

I have always considered Mr Djindjic political opportunist and not a good choice for Serbia, but this is just horrible. Assassination cannot be in anybody's interest, and the way it was carried out is unheard of. I fear we shall soon be like our cousins Russians-ruled and terrorised by mafia.
Petar, Serbia

I was in Serbia last year and the people are great. They have had extremely difficult times and Djindjic was seen as a man who was pushing the country to the right path. People, don't despair, there is still hope, future, and I know that someone else will take Djindjic's goals to the best end.
Giovanni, Mexico

An act of politically motivated violence in this particular region when the world is on the brink of war. Sounds familiar...
Yolanda, Australia,

Djindjic was one of a few able and pragmatic leaders in Serbia (maybe in the whole region). He was probably the only leader that Albanians did not despise and would be willing to negotiate with. Let's just hope that Serbia does not fall into irrational hands once again. I wish my Serb neighbours all the best - just continue on Djindjic's path. A tragic day indeed...
Kastriot, Prishtina, Kosova

There is an interesting saying doing the rounds in the Balkans... In some places the country has a mafia, but in Serbia the mafia has a country.
Laze, Macedonia

Serbian people did not deserve this, after such a long period of suffering Dragana, Serbia

It is a terrible event. Somehow I feel that Serbian people did not deserve this, after such a long period of suffering. We have just started to believe in the future. But living here one learns to be both pessimist and optimist. So I hope and pray that my homeland will peacefully resolve this crisis. Mr Djindjic left a great legacy, and his legacy is also that he brought to Serbia and into his government a lot of capable people who would be able to continue his work.
Dragana, Serbia

After two and a half years, when I thought it was all over, the sickness in the stomach is back. For how long? When will this misery end? We have seen so many troubles, but it just won't quit. Why? God save Serbia. There is nobody else anymore.
Nenad, Kragujevac, Serbia

This is truly a sad day my fellow countrymen. Although I was not a great supporter of Djindjic he was an honest politician that did not deserve to be killed. The assassination attempts were not a secret, not long ago he spoke out against it. I can say that thanks to the US and the EU taking forever to help Serbia's reform and many times weren't listening to Djindjic's calls, this is what happens when the West push for a democracy, they push you into it with promises and look what happens. I am amazed that the West was first to condemn the act yet they ignored his calls to help Serbia. My heart goes out to my people and this will certainly hit Serbian democracy hard. Unfortunately it may be too late.
Dejan, Australia

If ever there was a reason for Serbs to unite in a fight against lawlessness and extremism it is now Jelena, Vancouver, Canada

If ever there was a reason for Serbs to unite in a fight against lawlessness and extremism it is now. I was horrified and afraid, but then I grew stronger, more determined to do my part in following the path of the true Serbian leader. Rest in peace, prime minister. Your legacy will live on.
Jelena, Vancouver, Canada

This is such a tremendous shock and a loss we can hardly comprehend. Until now, I never really realised how much I trusted Mr Djindjic and how much I believed that his efforts and his work would make Serbia a respectable, civilised country. We should do all it takes to bring his assassins to justice.
Sladjana, Serbia

A great man has been killed. I hope we will hit hard at these murderers! This is slap in the face of the people of SMG, and the West should now give us all help we need in police, intelligence, and finance.
Igor, Serbia

Our young dream is shattered Vanja, Montenegro

Our young dream is shattered, just as we thought there was hope. He was the one light in this darkness.
Vanja, Montenegro

Please, let us not jump to any conclusions. What we need now is full support from Europe and the whole world. We need to catch and punish the criminals who ordered and executed this horrible crime. We need to send a message that acts like this are not acceptable in a civilised society. By doing so we will have confirmed our commitment to the positive development path that the country has embarked on since the overthrow of Milosevic. I hope that people will understand how crucial this moment is for all of us. We must not let the dark forces prevail!
Nela, Serbia

This shows that the West cannot just forget about a problem and hope it goes away. Maybe now in this time of despair and uncertainty all Serbians will break with the past unite for the future.
Dejan, Croatia

The future of Serbia after today is a question without an answer Bojan, Serbia/USA

He was the leader of a peaceful revolution, and the only person able to integrate Serbia into the EU. The loss of Mr Djindjic will lead to great chaos in the country in both economic and social terms. Such energy, ambitions, motivation and beliefs that Mr Djindjic expressed during the period of reconstruction after Milosevic, is extremely rare. The future of Serbia after today is a question without an answer. Mr Djindjic was the man with logical and real philosophy for creating a normal and respectful country, with legal institutions that the people of Serbia deserve. He deserves a monument in the centre of Belgrade.
Bojan, Serbia/USA

"Zoki" you will be remembered as the Serbian John Kennedy. Rest in peace.
Marko, Serbia

The people of Serbia are shocked. They don't have a future without Mr Djindjic.
Attila, Serbia & Montenegro

The only man in Serbian politics in the 1990s that Serbs should be proud of Ivo Ivanovic, Montenegro

I am in shock, together with all Montenegrins. The only man in Serbian politics in the 1990s that Serbs should be proud of. For Montenegrin people, he symbolised freedom and friendship. My heart and the heart of Montenegrin people go out to his family.
Ivo Ivanovic, Montenegro

Serbia and Montenegro will be in the power vacuum. The West (Nato, EU, Tribunal) has lost a key and consistent negotiating partner.
Dan Rasmussen, Denmark

This is a terrible loss for all of us here, irrespective of political beliefs. It seems to me that either Mr Nebojsa Covic or Mr Zoran Zivkovic would be good successors to our unfortunate Mr Djidnjic.
Vladan, Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro

Indeed a sad day for the Balkans. No one deserves this especially someone who is trying to pull his nation and the region out of the crisis. Let's hope that his death does not bring nationalists and criminals back into political scene in Belgrade.
Jeff, USA

He had the drive and the power to make the changes in the county and to bring Serbia closer to Europe by using all necessary means. I am afraid that this horrifying act represents a major set back for the country and this country cannot afford any more mistakes. It might happen that Serbia will need 2-3 years just to come back to this level of cooperation with Europe. I hope that there will be someone brave enough to continue with some of the reforms Mr Djindjic tried to push.
Dusan, UK

It will be difficult to find an individual with the same level of commitment and drive to see this transition through Sasa Maljkovic, UK

Dr Djindjic was unusually committed and persistent in the pursuit of his political goals. He was determined to change the politics of Serbia/Yugoslavia to rely on a fundamentally strong system of government rather than an individual or dictator (as has been the case since the creation of Yugoslavia). It will be difficult to find an individual with the same level of commitment and drive to see this transition through. This might be the beginning of yet another dark period of history for Serbia.
Sasa Maljkovic, UK

The murder of Mr Djindjic is certainly a pity and a loss for Serbia. Let us not be too quick to assign blame on 'anti-reformist' forces. At this stage, the cause of his murder is simply unknown. Serbia really does not deserve this. The Serbian people have been through a lot recently and more instability will certainly not help them in any way. Their economic troubles are particularly poignant and it would be interesting to know whether the West is living up to its promises of aid now that Milosevic has been overthrown. Somehow I doubt it - these promises are often forgotten after the aim is accomplished.
Roman Lajciak, Bratislava, Slovakia

I am in deep shock over the murder of PM Djindjic. He was a highly intelligent man, who gave his all to put our country back on the map of the civilised world. He worked very hard to fix all the blatant mismanagement of the authoritarian Milosevic clan and their cronies. I am Hungarian by nationality, and yet, I mourn for the loss of a brave and intelligent Serbian man, who worked hard for my homeland (Serbia), and my heart goes out to his family.
Andi, Serbia

This is a tragedy. Mr Djindjic was Serbia's chance to escape the corruption and poverty that have plagued other Eastern European countries. I hope that this appalling incident will wake up the rest of the world, so that progressive democracy can be maintained. It would be a shame if Mr Djindjic's legacy were destroyed by a nationalist successor. A sad day for the Balkans.
Matthew Roberts, UK

I am afraid for our future Bradonjic Dejan, Serbia

I am in shock! The best man left us. I am afraid for our future.
Bradonjic Dejan, Serbia

We are doomed, in this country mafia rules. There is no hope for us!
Admiral Misko, Serbia and Montenegro

Ultimately, boldness and guts cost you. While many thought what he thought, he did what he said he would. A remarkable man, Djindjic. I admire his instincts and rationality. It is a pity that having done all that dirty work for the West, the CIA did not protect him adequately. He did a huge favour to the US and Nato. I think he was motivated out of genuine belief and capability.
Shimon Mizra, London, UK

This is yet another tragedy for the Serbian people. History tells us that good will triumph over evil in the long term. I hope that this gives the Serbians some comfort at this difficult time.
Peter Underwood, UK

What a cowardly act, to assassinate a politician who was just trying to bring war criminals to justice. Guess that was too much for certain quarters.
Anon, Finland

Just when we thought that Serbia was getting out of the dark ages, this assassination has slammed us back to reality Milutin, Serbia/Canada

Very upsetting. While Mr Djindjic lost my vote and support some time ago, this was completely unexpected and unwanted. Just when we thought that Serbia was getting out of the dark ages, this assassination has slammed us back to reality. Personally I think that this was related to crime and money. However, whatever the truth, Serbia will not go forward until political conditions are in place where healthy, vigorous debate is possible, regarding even the most sensitive topics. Mr Djindjic's death has taken us in opposite direction.
Milutin, Serbia/Canada

Having worked in Serbia this is a terrible tragedy. There were always stories about a dark side to Djindjic. In the end I believe this is an indirect result of the 10 years Serbia spent under UN/US sanctions. It has only succeeded in criminalising the population who had to resort to such measures to survive.
Gregg James, Croatia

This is a disaster! Who killed him? Who is going to take over?
Ervin, Serbia

This really is a sad day for the Balkans. Serbia has already suffered instability long enough, and I fear this might be the last blow. With Mr Djindjic dead, there will be no one to work for reform, and all manner of grim scenarios may play out - for instance, a military regime and further deterioration of Serbia.
Svetla, Bulgaria