Intellectuals and journalists concerned about extradition requests for Turkish citizens from BiH

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - A group of Bosnian-Herzegovinian intellectuals has sent an open letter to BiH institutions that will decide on Turkey's request to extradite a group of Turkish citizens living in BiH.

Turkish authorities accuse them of being connected to Imam Fethullah Gülen, whose Hizmet organization is considered a terrorist organization by Erdogan and his government.

Letter from the group of BiH intellectuals and journalists: 

“Dear Sirs, all of you who will decide on the fate of seven Turkish citizens!

We, the undersigned citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina of various national, political, religious, and professional affiliations, are united in expressing our concern about the possible outcome of Turkey's request for the extradition of seven of its citizens.

We wish to draw your attention to constantly keep in mind the interest of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens when making the final decision, not the state that filed the extradition request. Therefore, we remind you that by complying with Turkey's request, the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which protects freedom of movement, the right to family life, the right to work, and the right to life, is directly violated, and all these rights are threatened by Turkey's request. The fact that Turkey seriously violates international conventions with its request can only be a signal for you to approach the resolution of the problem seriously.

It may not be directly related, but it is indicative that the country seeking extradition of its citizens revokes travel documents without any court proceedings, and fills its prisons with cultural, public, educational workers, journalists, and artists of various profiles, which is the best illustration of the Turkish regime's ruthless crackdown on political dissidents.

Dear Sirs, with its request, which is accompanied by permanent pressure from its leadership, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey is asking Bosnia and Herzegovina to knowingly violate its own Constitution, the European Convention on Human Rights, the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and finally the UN Declaration of Human Rights. If we truly want to join the ranks of modern democratic countries in Europe and the world, our country cannot afford such a luxury.

We remind you that none of the seven sought Turkish citizens have violated any law of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are all married family men, they have valid residence and work permits. One of them, through his engagement not so long ago, even deserved the Sixth of April Award of the City of Sarajevo, the awarding of which was annulled under the pressure of official Ankara and the subservient attitude of some of our politicians.
The Turkish state and its society, regardless of all the trials they have gone through, have defended the fundamental values of Turkish republicanism. We believe that the Turkish people will endure the torture they are currently subjected to. You too, endure the pressure under which you will work.

We are aware of the imperfections of our country and the political divisions that prevent it from making a stronger step towards the European Union, but we are also aware that others are using this weakness to pressure its incapable leaders. We live in the conviction that with your decision, you will confirm that Bosnia and Herzegovina is no longer a province where orders from Istanbul are unconditionally executed,” reads the letter signed by: Sinan Alić, journalist and publicist, Dr. Esad Bajtal, philosopher, Ahmed Burić, writer, Dženana Druško-Karup, journalist, Ferida Duraković, writer, Hadžem Hajdarević, writer, Dr. Kadrija Hodžić, Professor at the University of Tuzla, Dr. Husnija Kamberović, Professor at the University of Sarajevo, Boro Kontić, journalist, Dr. Slavo Kukić, academic and Professor at the University of Mostar, Dino Mustafić, theater director, Dr. Žarko Papić, director of the Institute for Better and Humane Inclusion, Senad Pećanin, lawyer, Srđan Puhalo, sociologist, Borka Rudić, journalist, and Aleksandar Trifunović, journalist.