US to strip alleged Bosnian war criminal of citizenship

December 19, 2025

The US Justice Department has initiated civil proceedings to strip Kemal Mrndzic of his American citizenship after he concealed his role as a guard at Bosnia's Celebici prison camp during his immigration application. A jury convicted Mrndzic in October 2024 for fraud and misrepresentation related to his naturalization, and he received a five-year prison sentence in January 2025 for failing to disclose his military service and involvement in persecuting Bosnian-Serb prisoners. The Celebici camp, operated by Bosniak and Bosnian-Croat forces during the 1990s Bosnian war, was the site of killings, torture, sexual assault, and inhumane treatment as documented by a UN war crimes tribunal.

Who is affected

Kemal Mrndzic (accused former prison guard facing citizenship revocation)
Bosnian-Serb inmates who were persecuted at Celebici prison camp
Victims of atrocities at Celebici prison camp (those killed, tortured, sexually assaulted, and beaten)
US immigration and naturalization authorities
The US justice system and Justice Department

What action is being taken

The US Justice Department is pursuing a civil legal case to revoke Mrndzic's citizenship
Mrndzic is serving a prison sentence of more than five years (imposed in January 2025)

Why it matters

This case demonstrates the US government's commitment to holding accountable individuals who committed war crimes and atrocities, even decades after the events occurred. It underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in the naturalization process, signaling that the United States will not provide refuge to those who persecuted others. The prosecution also serves as a warning that fraudulent concealment of criminal histories during immigration proceedings will result in serious legal consequences, including potential denaturalization and imprisonment.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC