Hurtić condemned the destruction of the Islamic Community's property, then reiterated - solve the cases of attacks on returnees

(Patria) - The destruction of flags at the entrance to the central Čaršija Mosque and at the Skela
Memorial Cemetery in Prijedor is a continuation of months-long attacks and pressure on Bosniaks in the Republika Srpska entity, which I strongly condemn, says Minister Sevlid Hurtić.

"Although, after the brutal attack during the month of Ramadan on the Memišević family in Višegrad, I acted institutionally, held meetings with the highest entity officials, despite the promises, this case has never been resolved.

Instead, a series of attacks on returnees in Bratunac, Zvornik,
Osmaci, and now, for the umpteenth time, in Prijedor followed. Most of these attacks are motivated by religious and national hatred," says Hurtić.

He adds that numerous murders and attacks on returnees and their property from the beginning of the return until today have not been resolved, and the latest attacks, which have not received a judicial epilogue, only
further instill fear in the lives of this vulnerable population.

"Numerous families contact me daily because they are rightly concerned about the safety of their families.

Due to all of the above, I once again call, first of all, on the investigative and judicial bodies
in the RS entity, as well as at the state level, to prioritize solving the attacks
on returnees and the property of the Islamic Community in recent months.

Every unresolved case is a tailwind for new perpetrators, which in the future can
lead to escalation, and for which responsibility will be borne by those whose duty it is to
prevent such attacks," he adds.

He reminds that attacks on returnees represent a direct violation of Annex 7 of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which states that "the Parties shall ensure that refugees and displaced persons are able to return to their homes and reside there or move freely to the location of their choice without fear of harassment, intimidation, persecution, or discrimination, particularly on account of their ethnic origin, religion, or political beliefs.".