In Sarajevo, the rally 'Wake up, Bosnia' was held, demanding accelerated EU accession

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The rally "Wake up, Bosnia" was held today at the Eternal Flame memorial, organized by Restart, which has been organizing protests for several months due to the current political situation, blockades that threaten BiH and its stability.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its thousand-year tradition of people of different religions living together and its unique culture of coexistence, is experiencing another test in its history today. Love, tolerance, mutual understanding, and respect are in the essence of a prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina. Therefore, today, on the Independence Day of BiH, let's show civic determination in defending the values of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a state of equal and free citizens!

Restart announced that on this day in 1992, 63.4% of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina went to the referendum, and 99.7% of them said "YES" to the independence of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In that spirit, we congratulate all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of their ethnic, religious, racial, or any other identity, on the 30th anniversary of the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina!

"The war against Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992-1995 was paid for by citizens with their own lives, the loss of loved ones and property, and life in exile around the world. The Dayton Peace Agreement in 1995 brought peace, but the constitutional structure of BiH resulted in a dysfunctional state, cementing injustices for life, human and political rights and freedoms of citizens. After 30 years, we must decisively say 'NO' to a political system that generates discrimination, corruption, and injustice. We demand equal rights for every person and the prevention of the creation of artificial crises like the one 30 years ago. The ethno-nationalist concept of governance produces divisions, apartheid, corruption, and a partisan judiciary that prosecutes only its opponents while protecting its supporters from legal proceedings. The future we want is not in the tribal cohabitation of the so-called constituent peoples, but within Bosnia and Herzegovina on civic principles where equality, justice, freedom, and solidarity will reign. Only in such an environment is economic, social, and general societal progress of the country possible. The judgments of the European Court of Human Rights represent the legal basis for initiating the adoption of a civic constitution that eliminates the concept of constitutionality as a key instrument of neighboring countries in destroying BiH. A civic constitution of BiH guarantees us equal rights throughout its territory, not only in the electoral process but in all spheres of social life. Therefore, citizens, WAKE UP and engage in social activism. Protests are our strongest weapon, and we must be as numerous and frequent as possible until our common goal is achieved. Let's decisively say 'NO' to ethno-nationalism and divisions, let's change the depressing present for a future of prosperity, a better life, and good neighborly relations," stated Restart.

Professor Alija Kožljak also addressed the gathered citizens, calling on the EU to admit BiH to the EU through an accelerated procedure.

Azra Zornić, who sued BiH and won a judgment at the European Court of Human Rights, also attended the rally.

"We want a civic state, a civic constitution with equal rights for all of us. I only demand the implementation of my judgment," said Zornić.