The National Assembly of Republika Srpska has adopted amendments to the Criminal Code introducing penalties for the glorification of Ustashism, as well as Fascist and Nazi symbols and ideologies. Representatives of the Veterans’ Organization of Republika Srpska described the legislation as one of the most significant legal measures adopted in recent years, saying it will help protect the dignity of victims and prevent the public promotion of symbols associated with crimes committed during the Second World War.
Milovan Gagić, President of the Presidency of the Veterans’ Organization of Republika Srpska, said that the organization had initiated the adoption of these legal measures with the aim of stopping the increasingly frequent public glorification of Ustasha symbols and ideology.
“We sought a way to finally respond to what has been happening in recent years, with the growing glorification of Ustashism and the use of symbols under which mass crimes were committed. This is not an issue concerning only one people, but a matter of civilization and something that should disturb every reasonable person,” Gagić said.
He added that the law is not intended to create further divisions, but to send a clear message that there is no place in society for the glorification of totalitarian ideologies.
“We do not want to cause problems for anyone, but to remove anything that glorifies Ustashism, Fascism and Nazism. The goal is to sanction such conduct and ensure that future generations grow up without hatred and provocations. Children should focus on sports, education and living together, rather than growing up surrounded by symbols associated with crimes,” Gagić said.
He recalled that, in addition to the amendments to the Criminal Code, changes were also adopted to the Law on Cemeteries and Funeral Services, regulating the removal of symbols glorifying Ustasha, Fascist and Nazi movements and preventing such symbols from being installed in the future.
Gagić said he expects the legal sanctions to help reduce tensions and protect public spaces from rhetoric and symbols glorifying criminal ideologies.
“Anyone who glorifies Ustashism is glorifying an evil that claimed millions of lives. Such phenomena have no place in modern society, and I believe this law will help all of us build a more peaceful and secure environment,” Gagić said.
He added that the National Assembly of Republika Srpska had also adopted, under urgent procedure, amendments to the Law on the Rights of Veterans, Disabled War Veterans and Families of Fallen Soldiers. The law introduces military decorations for service during the Homeland Defense War, as well as the right to financial compensation for their recipients.
According to Gagić, the most significant change concerns veterans over the age of 65 who have no other income. They will receive an additional monthly allowance, while the calculation of the veterans’ supplement will in future be determined by a statutory formula rather than annual decisions. Payments under the new calculation are expected to begin in August.
The amendments also introduce an annual allowance for children who lost both parents during the war, as well as new rights for former camp detainees and members of the Army of the Republic of Serb Krajina. The Veterans’ Organization estimates that around 5,000 beneficiaries will qualify for the new allowance.
One of the most important changes concerns children whose parents were both killed during the war. This group had not previously been specifically covered by the law, while the new provisions grant them an annual allowance equal to two base amounts, or approximately 2,200 KM under the currently applicable calculation.
Gagić stressed that the number of beneficiaries is not large, but that this group deserves special attention from the institutions.
“This is a form of recognition for people who grew up without either parent. Some lost both their father and mother as children or even as babies because of the war. This assistance cannot compensate for their loss, but it represents recognition and care from society for those who endured one of the greatest personal sacrifices,” Gagić said.
He emphasized that the measure is intended not only to provide financial support, but also to grant institutional recognition to the special status of children who lost both parents during the war, regardless of whether their parents were members of the armed forces or civilians.
Gagić said the adopted amendments represent a significant step forward, but that the work is not complete. He announced further initiatives to amend pension and health insurance regulations with the aim of improving the position of the veteran population.
He said the Veterans’ Organization expects continued cooperation with the institutions of Republika Srpska in order to further improve the status of veterans and their families through new legislative measures.
Source: RTRS
