Bosnian Diaspora Raises its Voice: Protests Announced in Chicago Over Dodik's Appearance and 'Democracy Award'

(Patria) - Non-governmental organizations from the USA, JednaBiH, JaBiH, and MidwestBiH, have reacted sharply to the announced appearance of Milorad Dodik at Judson University in Chicago, as well as the planned World Leaders Forum event, where he is scheduled to receive an award for democracy.

In a joint statement, they stated that they consider the organization of an event involving a politician whose actions have caused serious controversies and challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina for years, including accusations of undermining state institutions and denying genocide, to be unacceptable.

The organizations further express concern over information that tickets for the event, previously purchased by some citizens, were subsequently canceled due to limited capacity, while at the same time, according to them, new available spots were offered.

They also believe that such a move raises questions about transparency and possible selective access for participants.

As they state, this situation "raises serious doubts that it is a targeted selection and removal of individuals who might ask questions about political accountability and the violation of the Dayton Peace Agreement."

They add that such a practice could represent a violation of freedom of speech and the right to public inquiry, especially since the event is taking place within an educational institution that should be a space for open discussion.

Due to all of the above, peaceful protests have been announced in front of Judson University, which will be held today at 2:30 PM local time, or 9:30 PM our time.

The organizations have called on the media, the international public, and civil society to pay attention to this case, emphasizing the importance of preserving the principles of truth, justice, and accountability.

They reiterated that some participants who had purchased tickets for the event were later denied entry due to alleged limited capacity, which has caused further doubts and dissatisfaction among our diaspora in the USA.

Finally, the protest organizers state that it is a peaceful gathering aimed at expressing disagreement with the event's holding and its organization.