Bećirović: The Gradačac crime is a warning that we need institutional solutions

(Patria) - Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović visited Gradačac after Nermin Sulejmanović killed his wife and then three other people in this city on Friday.

"In these difficult days for all citizens of Gradačac and Bosnia and Herzegovina, I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the innocent victims, and I wish the injured a speedy and successful recovery. I sincerely sympathize with all citizens of Gradačac," he said.

As he pointed out, he has been in direct communication with the Mayor of Gradačac, Edis Dervišagić, since the first day the crime was committed.

"Gradačac is not and must not be alone in these difficult days. The crime committed in Gradačac is a warning that we need institutional and long-term solutions to prevent such unfortunate events in society. The prevention of violence must be the responsibility of the entire society, because it is devastating that there are those who justified and supported the monster who killed his fellow citizens. The fight against the evident crisis of values in society must be systemic, comprehensive, and planned," Bećirović emphasized.

The multiple murder in Gradačac, he stresses, has once again drawn attention to the importance of synchronized action by all competent entities in order to register, monitor, and prevent similar cases in a timely manner.

"The committed crime has shown that the police must be promptly modernized and a unified platform for information and task exchange must be created, as well as the assumption of responsibility among all actors in our society. It is important that all employees in the competent institutions, at all levels, take their role seriously and responsibly and do not allow our society to function chaotically.

We must protect every life in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I have repeatedly submitted concrete proposals for the regulation and implementation of appropriate measures for the prevention and punishment of violence," he points out.

He stated that in the Presidency of BiH, he proposed some concrete measures for joint action of authorities at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to prevent unwanted consequences of violence and increase the safety of children.

"These are all problems that cannot be prevented and resolved with short-term ad hoc measures and a partial approach in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Our country has committed to taking legislative and other measures to ensure the prevention and protection of victims of violence, and the punishment of perpetrators of violence. According to the Istanbul Convention, which Bosnia and Herzegovina ratified in 2013, the state must act with due diligence towards all reported cases of violence against women, which includes the necessary legislative and other measures to prevent, investigate, and punish acts of violence covered by this convention," Bećirović concluded.