War victims and their families must not be used as a shield to protect anyone from scrutiny over potentially unlawful conduct, particularly institutions and public bodies, Srebrenica Municipal Assembly Vice President Radomir Pavlović said, commenting on statements by Srebrenica–Potočari Memorial Center Director Emir Suljagić.
Pavlović accused Suljagić of attempting to portray the lawful actions of competent institutions as pressure and intimidation against Bosniaks.
According to Pavlović, such claims are intended to divert attention from questions concerning the legality of the Memorial Center’s operations and financial activities.
He stressed that Republika Srpska has its constitutional competences and laws that apply equally to everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity, political affiliation or any other status.
“No one can be above the law, including Suljagić or the institution he heads,” Pavlović said.
Questioning does not imply guilt
Commenting on the questioning of Memorial Center employees, Pavlović said prosecutors and other competent authorities must be allowed to perform their duties professionally.
He emphasized that being questioned or providing a statement does not mean that a person is guilty of an offense.
“It is particularly unacceptable to use Bosniak victims from Srebrenica to create an institutional shield against the application of the law in cases of potentially unlawful conduct,” Pavlović told SRNA.
Pavlović also rejected allegations that the SNSD leadership was behind an organized campaign of intimidation.
“If the operations of the institution headed by Suljagić are lawful and regular, then an investigation should not be perceived as intimidation or pressure, but as a regular activity carried out by the competent authorities,” he said.
Pavlović concluded that no one should be portrayed as an enemy simply for performing their duties and applying the law equally.
According to him, equal application of the law is precisely what ensures equality and protection for all citizens.
Source: RTRS
