Reis Kavazović: In Montenegro, everything reminds of ideologies that committed genocide

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Regarding the attacks on Bosniaks and Muslims in Montenegro, especially after the disturbing events in Pljevlja, the Reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Husein ef. Kavazović, addressed the public with a statement.

"The news coming from Montenegro, the messages of anti-Muslim hatred that are increasingly heard in the neighboring country, and especially yesterday's physical attack on Bosniaks in Pljevlja, have caused unrest among the members and adherents of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As Reis-ul-ulema, I am concerned by the fact that the anti-Muslim and anti-Bosniak rhetoric that has been tolerated in the public sphere for months has begun to become the basis for violent attacks by organized groups that no longer hide their criminal agenda. Numerous Muslims and Bosniaks from Montenegro and the surrounding area have written to me on this occasion, concerned about their future. Everything reminds of the return of ideologies that led to crimes and genocide in these areas in the nineties," says Reis Kavazović.

He appeals to all international institutions to take the challenges facing Montenegro seriously, to react to the violations of the fundamental human rights and freedoms of Bosniaks and Muslims, as well as other minorities, and especially not to ignore the nationalist and war-mongering rhetoric that threatens to provoke new crimes in these areas.

"We call on the state of Montenegro to ensure the safety of its Muslim citizens, both Bosniaks and all others. We expect the Serbian Orthodox Church to distance itself from the Islamophobic statements of those who officially act in its name and claim to speak from the positions of 'Svetosavlje'. They bear a special responsibility for everything that is happening in Montenegro these days, because they themselves have chosen to be the bearers of these processes. Today, when innocent blood is being shed again in Pljevlja, they cannot act as if it does not concern them and that they have nothing to do with it. As people of faith, the least they can do is condemn such actions and stand up for the protection of their neighbors," the statement from Reis-ul-ulema Kavazović reads.