Political tensions and pressure on Republika Srpska, its institutions, and officials continue following the investigation into the financial operations of the Srebrenica Memorial Centre in Potočari.
Accusations have emerged claiming that returnees are being threatened, while previously unsuccessful political initiatives calling for a special status for both the Memorial Centre and Srebrenica have resurfaced. Appeals have once again been directed toward the Office of the High Representative (OHR).
Questions have also been raised as to why an ordinary investigative procedure is being politicised if all activities at the Memorial Centre were conducted in accordance with the law.
Following reports that prosecutors and police had launched a preliminary investigation into the Memorial Centre, political reactions quickly followed. Critics described the investigation as an attempt to intimidate returnees, spread hatred, and deny genocide, while officials from Republika Srpska rejected those claims as politically motivated.
The report further notes that six members of the U.S. Congress and Senate called for sanctions against officials of Republika Srpska, a move welcomed by Memorial Centre Director Emir Suljagić.
Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željka Cvijanović dismissed such initiatives, arguing that the era of imposing sanctions has passed.
“They have no other topic except calling for sanctions. Instead of focusing on the development of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina or improving cooperation among the peoples living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they continue relying on foreign actors to impose sanctions and interfere. Those times are over. The sooner everyone understands that, the better it will be for all communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Cvijanović said.
SNSD Secretary General Srđan Amidžić questioned why Suljagić had reacted so strongly if the Memorial Centre had conducted its activities lawfully.
“Anyone who respects the law has no reason to fear its implementation. Otherwise, it is legitimate to ask why an ordinary legal procedure is being presented as a political incident. Regardless of the public pressure and hysteria, neither Mr. Suljagić nor the institution he leads is above the law,” Amidžić stated.
The report also refers to Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković, claiming that while prosecutors continue investigating allegations related to abuse of office, public spending, employment procedures, and other matters, he has written to United Nations member states describing the investigation as a disturbing development and arguing that those questioned over the possible misuse of funds at the Memorial Centre are being intimidated.
Finally, the report points to statements by former wartime Srebrenica commander Huso Salihović, noting that he has reportedly received serious death threats after expressing his views. It argues that those who have been vocal in defending the Memorial Centre have remained silent regarding the threats directed at Salihović.
Source: RTRS
