DKPT: We reject all attempts at manipulation, securing the commemoration in Potočari is the priority of all police officers

(Patria) - Regarding the information that appeared in some media, the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of Bosnia and Herzegovina informs the public that a group of 11 police officers, who submitted a request to participate in the Peace March 2025, did not receive approval solely due to professional, operational, and security reasons, and not for reasons that certain individuals have unsubstantiatedly speculated about through the media, it was announced from this police agency.

"The Directorate emphasizes that its legal jurisdiction is the security of persons and facilities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including facilities of importance to Bosnia and Herzegovina, foreign embassies, residences, and delegations, as well as providing assistance to other police agencies in accordance with the Law on the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH. Also, in accordance with the Law on the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Center, the Directorate has professionally and responsibly secured all events held at the Potočari Memorial Center since 2005, and with special responsibility and obligation, it secures the commemoration, funeral, and burial of victims, which are held on July 11th every year.

This year, when the 30th anniversary of the genocide is being marked, the arrival of a large number of domestic and foreign delegations, international organizations, diplomatic representatives, and citizens is announced, which requires the maximum engagement of the Directorate's available personnel, which currently has only 60% of the required number of police officers, which is why annual leave has been suspended, sick leave has been reviewed, and all available human resources have been engaged to ensure the maximum number of officers for the execution of this task of utmost importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Regarding the request of the group of 11 police officers, we note that this group has been submitting identical requests for many years, which were approved in previous years when there were greater personnel capacities. This year, it was not possible due to serious personnel and security reasons, as their absence would directly jeopardize the execution of the Directorate's basic tasks, which is responsible for the security of the Commemoration in Potočari.

The management of the Directorate, as well as all police officers of the Directorate, including the 11 members who submitted the request to participate in the Peace March, will be engaged in securing the commemoration on July 11th in Potočari, and will thereby make their full personal and professional contribution to marking the 30th anniversary of the genocide against Bosniaks in Srebrenica, together with the victims' families, survivors, and all citizens who share the obligation to preserve the culture of remembrance and the dignity of the victims.

The Directorate strongly rejects attempts to manipulate this important event to discredit the management or work of the Directorate, and emphasizes that the information disseminated in the media with the aim of misleading the public is the result of malicious actions by individuals who want to portray the Directorate in a negative light.

We also appeal to the media to exercise special care in such situations so that their reporting does not contribute to the misinformation of the public and does not hinder the work of security institutions, and to publish information after hearing all relevant parties, taking into account the interests of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, their safety, as well as the safety of numerous delegations that will attend the Commemoration.

The Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to professionally fulfill its legal mandate, protecting the dignity of the commemoration of the anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, and will always prioritize collective security over the individual requests of individuals," they conclude in their address.