Security expert Slobodan Župljanin has condemned an incident in East Sarajevo in which the offensive word “genocidaši” (“genocide perpetrators”) was written across a mural depicting the Serb tricolor, warning that hostility toward Serbs and Republika Srpska remains a serious concern more than three decades after the war.
Speaking to RTRS, Župljanin argued that ethnic hostility has not diminished with the passage of time but has instead intensified.
“The more years pass since the war, the more hatred toward Republika Srpska and the Serb people grows,” Župljanin said.
He expressed particular concern about what he described as the involvement of young Bosniaks in spreading hostility toward Serbs.
Župljanin criticizes judicial response to incident
Župljanin also criticized the handling of such incidents by judicial institutions, particularly decisions to release suspects following questioning.
“What is even more damaging is when young people from the Bosniak community spread hatred toward Serbs. The actions of the courts are also harmful when those responsible are arrested and then released, allowing them to potentially repeat the same act immediately after leaving detention,” he stated.
He argued that individuals suspected of such offenses should not be released from custody.
Župljanin also alleged that the handling of the incident suggested support from Bosniak political representatives, although he did not provide evidence establishing their involvement.
Dialogue necessary to resolve political tensions in BiH
Addressing broader political relations in BiH, Župljanin emphasized the need for constructive dialogue.
He argued that political disagreements and tensions cannot be resolved through sanctions, criminal proceedings or attempts to isolate political representatives.
“They will face a problem because they will have to talk to those they tried to convict, sanction and imprison. They must understand that problems in BiH are resolved through constructive dialogue,” Župljanin said.
Suspect released after questioning
The incident in East Sarajevo involved an offensive inscription written over a mural featuring the Serb tricolor.
A Sarajevo resident identified by the initials N. K. was questioned on suspicion of writing the inscription and subsequently released.
According to the information reported, once the case has been documented, a report will be submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH.
The investigation and any subsequent proceedings will determine whether the suspect bears criminal responsibility for the incident.
Source: RTRS
