anxt “Tragedy and Controversy: Belgrade Mural of Charlie Kirkovich Lasts Only 24 Hours”
Posted October 3, 2025
Belgrade, Serbia – A mural commemorating Serbian-American basketball player Charlie Kirkovich quickly became the center of attention and controversy when it lasted just 24 hours before being completely vandalized. The artwork was painted on a public wall in central Belgrade, in memory of Kirkovich, who recently passed away at the age of 32 (1993–2025).
The original painting depicted Charlie in his Illinois White Eagles jersey, holding a basketball and smiling broadly. Next to the image were the words: “CHARLIE KIRKOVICH 1993–2025 R.I.P.” and the Serbian symbol – showing his deep connection to his homeland.
However, after just one day, the mural was severely vandalized. Charlie’s face was painted black, along with a series of political and anti-fascist slogans sprayed on it, including: “Rasista” (Racism), “Cionizam = Nacizam” (Zionism = Fascism), and various protest symbols such as the hammer and sickle, the feminist symbol, and the flag of the anti-fascist movement (Antifa). In addition, there was the Serbian phrase: “Moja puška, moje izbоr” (My gun, my choice) – which is provocative and may be related to debates about armed violence or political power.
It is still unclear who was responsible for this act of vandalism, but the incident has sparked fierce debate within the Serbian and Serbian diaspora communities. Many see Charlie as a symbol of integration and a young talent bridging two cultures, while others see him as a symbol of controversial political symbols.
The vandalism of a memorial painting in less than 24 hours is not only a reflection of the division in the community, but also a clear manifestation of the current political and social unrest. The story of Charlie Kirkovich – both his life and his death – is now not only a cause for mourning, but also a symbol of conflicting ideologies.
