Several hundred victims exhumed at Huda Jama, a disused mine in northeastern Slovenia, were given a formal burial at Maribor's main cemetery on 27 October, with Croatian and Slovenian state leaders attending. Cerar, however, was not present. Huda Jama is believed to be one of the largest multiple graves of victims killed by communist authorities and intelligence in 1945.
President Borut Pahor, who attended the commemoration, said that this was "the first step" towards national reconciliation and spiritual renaissance.
Speaking to local media, Cerar strongly deplored the atrocities, but dismissed as inappropriate the proposal by the Catholic Church that the current Slovenian government apologise for the crimes and declare a day of mourning for WW2 and post-war victims.
"I condemn post-war executions. I strongly believe that the dead deserve dignified burials," Cerar said, recalling that his cabinet had agreed with the Opposition to pass a law that enabled the reburial of the victims.