BiH Defense Minister Zukan Helez has drawn sharp criticism from Republika Srpska after announcing that he had signed a decision concerning two Serb members of the BiH Armed Forces over allegations that they glorified convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić.
Speaking at a political gathering, Helez presented the decision as a significant development and said the two individuals had been removed from the Armed Forces.
“Here is another piece of news for you today. I signed the decision today for two members of the Armed Forces from the Serb people who glorified war criminal Ratko Mladić — they were expelled from the Armed Forces today,” Helez said.
He also issued a warning against any challenges to BiH institutions.
“Now we are the ones who are asked, no one else. For the first time, the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina have a say. We have our Armed Forces ready, and whoever tries anything will face a brutal, brutal response,” Helez said.
Deputy Defense Minister Aleksandar Goganović disputed Helez’s description of what had happened, saying the two individuals were cadets rather than serving members who had been dismissed from the Armed Forces.
“First, I would like to emphasize that Minister Helez did not dismiss two members of the Armed Forces, as it has been presented to the public. He signed a decision terminating the training of two cadets,” Goganović said.
According to Goganović, procedures and regulations within the defense system were not properly followed, while his office did not approve the decision.
“What I would say is that the procedures were not followed here, nor were the regulations within the defense system respected, and my office absolutely did not give its consent to such a decision,” he said.
Goganović said he expects the case to ultimately be brought before a court.
“I am certain that this case will eventually end up in court, and I am convinced that the court will rule in favor of the two cadets,” he added.
Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić also criticized the decision, describing it as unacceptable treatment of Serbs within the BiH Armed Forces.
“The persecution of Serbs from the BiH Armed Forces is unacceptable. A minister whose main preoccupation is spreading hatred toward the Serb people cannot present such conduct as a fight for justice,” Minić said.
Slobodan Župljanin, president of the Association of Patriots of Republika Srpska, also criticized Helez and called on the relevant Republika Srpska authorities and institutions to provide assistance to the two cadets.
Republika Srpska officials argue that the case is part of a broader pattern of discriminatory treatment of Serbs in Sarajevo-based institutions and have announced support for the two cadets in any further proceedings.
Source: RTRS
