prijava
BANJA LUKA, September 2 (FENA) – The Banja Luka House of Human Rights considers any glorification of persons convicted of war crimes unacceptable, particularly following the death of Ratko Mladić, when his legacy and actions are being publicly glorified and gatherings are being organized or messages sent across Republika Srpska that celebrate crimes and raise tensions.
In a statement, the organization stressed that victims must be shown compassion and respect, while court verdicts must be met with accountability. This is the minimum of a responsible approach to the past and the basis for further building a society in which future generations will live without hatred, divisions and fear.
“Glorification of war criminals, from sports stands to messages coming from official institutions, serves neither the interests of citizens nor the future of a society based on coexistence. Court verdicts must be respected, while victims must have dignity and the right to remembrance without relativizing crimes,” the Banja Luka House of Human Rights said.
It called on all political and public actors, institutions, the academic community and the media to show responsibility and refrain from contributing to the normalization and glorification of war crimes.
The organization particularly appealed to politicians, ahead of the upcoming election campaign, not to use war criminals, wartime issues and victims’ suffering to score “cheap” political points, raise tensions and deepen divisions among citizens.
“We hope the election campaign will be an opportunity to discuss the real problems and needs of citizens, rather than once again inflaming national divisions and spreading fear. Citizens need responsible policies that offer solutions for their everyday lives, not a return to the rhetoric of the 1990s. Citizens need peace, stability, a dignified life and prospects, not the reopening of war wounds, wartime slogans and the spreading of fear,” the House of Human Rights said.
It said it would remain committed to a society in which human dignity, peace, justice and respect for human rights are always the top priorities.
(FENA) S. R.
