Inzko: It is time for politicians and citizens of BiH to start respecting the past

(Patria) - Today, the Appeals Chamber of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals delivered its judgment in the case against Radovan Karadžić, upholding the first-instance conviction and increasing the sentence to life imprisonment for genocide, crimes against humanity and violations of the laws or customs of war.

“Today’s decision by the Appeals Chamber represents an important moment and I hope it provides a sense of closure for all victims, as well as for those who survived genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in BiH. No court decision can bring back their loved ones to the survivors, but it can give them a certain degree of moral satisfaction. At the same time, by confirming individual responsibility, not collective guilt, the court decision should bring relief to all honest people. There are no bad peoples, only bad individuals,” said High Representative Valentin Inzko.

The High Representative emphasized the enormous contribution of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in uncovering the truth and in efforts to satisfy justice after the horrific crimes committed during the recent tragic history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this context, he called on all authorities and political leaders in BiH to refrain from political one-upmanship or attempts to discredit the important work done by these international courts. The Tribunal was established by a unanimous decision of the UN Security Council. The decisions of the Tribunal must be respected.

“It is time for politicians and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to start respecting the past, but also to turn a new page, look towards the future, towards reconciliation and rebuild trust among the peoples living in BiH. That is a prerequisite for this country and its citizens to move forward,” concluded the High Representative.