Bosnian Genocide Survivors to Judson University: Rescind Democracy Award to Sanctioned Genocide Denier
April 21, 2026
Bosnian-American coalition calls on Illinois university to cancel April 30 ceremony honoring U.S.- Sanctioned Milorad Dodik
ELGIN, IL. A U.S.-sanctioned official criminally indicted for genocide denial is set to receive a "Leadership and Democracy Award" at Judson University on April 30. Jedna BiH, a coalition of Bosnian-American organizations and diaspora advocates, is calling on Judson University to cancel the ceremony and rescind the award.
The honoree, Milorad Dodik, was sanctioned in 2022, by the U.S. Treasury, criminally indicted in Bosnia for denying the Srebrenica genocide, removed from office by Bosnian election authorities in 2025, and publicly aligned with Vladimir Putin. He has repeatedly called the Srebrenica genocide, the systematic execution of more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys recognized as genocide by both the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice, a "fabricated myth."
"This is not an oversight. It is a choice," said a Bosnian genocide survivor . "An American university, in a state home to one of the largest Bosnian diaspora communities in the country, is preparing to give a democracy award to a man who denies the murder of our families.We are asking Judson to make a different choice and recognize our community of survivors."
The Record
Milorad Dodik's documented record includes:
U.S. Treasury sanctions imposed in 2022 for corruption and destabilizing activity in the Western Balkans. In March 2026, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers urged the re-sanctioning of Dodik, citing his repeated calls for the secession of Republika Srpska from Bosnia and Herzegovina, his ongoing efforts to undermine the Dayton Peace Accords, and actions in direct violation of provisions included in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Criminal charges in Bosnia's Prosecutor's Office for violating the Law on Prohibition of Genocide Denial.
Removal from office by Bosnian election authorities in 2025.
Conviction for anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in 2026.
Public glorification of convicted war criminals, including calling Ratko Mladic, the commander responsible for Srebrenica, a "legend," and personally inaugurating a student dormitory named after Radovan Karadzic, who was convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Active alignment with Vladimir Putin and public statements describing Bosniaks as "second-rate people."
The Illinois Network Behind the Event
The Judson University ceremony has drawn additional scrutiny because of the network surrounding it. Mark Vargas, a founding member of the event and Judson alumnus, is publicly known for brokering the early release and pardon of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Following his pardon, Blagojevich registered as a foreign agent and was hired as a lobbyist for Republika Srpska, the entity Dodik leads, to advocate for its illegal secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Judson's alumni network includes the lobbyist who pushed for Blagojevich's pardon. Blagojevich now lobbies for the entity Dodik leads. This isn't a coincidence," said a Bosnian genocide survivor. "When people with controversial records stay connected to power, recognition can start to reflect relationships, not principles. Judson owes its community an explanation."
Why Illinois
Illinois is home to one of the largest Bosnian-American communities in the United States, including survivors of the Srebrenica genocide and the families of those who were killed. The decision to honor Dodik at an Illinois institution is a direct affront to that community.
Our Call
Jedna BiH is asking Judson University to:
Rescind the Leadership and Democracy Award to Milorad Dodik.
Cancel the April 30 event.
Publicly reaffirm its stated commitment to the values of democracy, human dignity, and historical truth.
We are also calling on Illinois elected officials, including Governor JB Pritzker and the Mayor of Elgin, to issue public statements opposing the event and standing with their Bosnian-American constituents.
The event is less than 10 days away. We are asking Judson to act before then.
The full fact sheet is available at jednabih.com/no-award-for-genocide-fact-sheet.
About Jedna BiH
Jedna BiH is a coalition advocating for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and democratic future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We work in partnership with Bosnian-American communities, civil society, and elected leaders to ensure that the memory of the Srebrenica genocide is honored and that its denial is not platformed.