Interview with Željko Ražnjatović Arkan

Call Number
350-1-1:379/2

General information

Call No.:
350-1-1:379/2
Part of series
HU OSA 350-1-1 Records of the International Monitor Institute: Europe: Balkan Archive
Located at
BetaSP NTSC #379 / No. 2
Digital ver. identifier
HU_OSA_00000379
Date of production
1995
Date
1995
Level
Item
Primary Type
Moving image
Language
English

Content

Form/Genre
Raw material
Contents Summary
Arkan talks about the beginning of his engagement in the war in Croatia. Despite a lack of prior military experience, Arkan describes how he formed the Serbian Volunteer Guard, also known as the Tigers, relying on strict discipline and the help of Serbs from foreign mercenary brigades, such as the Legion of Foreigners. Arkan criticizes the Yugoslav National Army (JNA), calling its soldiers a "bunch of scum." Arkan discusses his post-war role as a parliamentary representative in Kosovo, which he refers to as Kosmet, including his motives for entering politics. Arkan stresses that serving the Serbian nation has been his driving force and emphasizes the importance of the Serbian tradition and nationhood to Serbs. He briefly describes his political campaign, securing him five seats in parliament, as well as divisions among the Serbs in Kosovo. Arkan also details his vision of the "United Serbian States," which would encompass all Serb lands and be governed by an "all-Serb assembly." Arkan further talks about his connection with the Belgrade soccer team, the Red Star, outlining his plans for future involvement in the team's affairs. He talks about the Tigers' backgrounds, their initial motivation to join him, and their post-war whereabouts. According to Arkan, men of all social backgrounds joined the Guard when a "drop of Obilić's blood boiled within them," a statement implying that modern-day Serb defenders are descendants of a Serbian hero who took the life of Sultan Murat in the battle of Kosovo polje in 1389. Arkan proudly details his business ventures which enable him to continually provide financial support to the families of the 28 fallen and over a hundred injured Tigers. Arkan also talks about his family, especially his four small children.

Context

Associated Names
Studio B (Producer)