Intellectuals on attacks against Reis Kavazović: Attempts to portray the victim in the worst possible light

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Numerous reactions are emerging following the smear campaign against Reis-ul-ulema Husein-ef. Kavazović led by extreme Serbian and Croatian political representatives.

The Reis-ul-ulema has not been left alone. The Bosnian people, intellectuals, Bosniak political representatives of the government, and academics have stood by him.

Ganić: All of the Reis's statements are well-intentioned

They are all united in the stance that only followers of the policies that stood behind the aggression against our country condemn the Reis for the statement "that today's fight is in the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and if they fall, as we had in '92, we must be prepared to defend this country with weapons too".

Ejup Ganić, former member of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated in an interview for Preporod.info that the head of the Islamic Community in BiH is a man who has always advocated for peace and tolerance.

- I know Reis Kavazović, he is an exceptional man dedicated to tolerance and peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He has always strived to maintain a multi-ethnic BiH and for everyone in this country to enjoy its blessings, in all the diversity we have, which is a definite advantage for all of us here - said Ganić.

He also commented on the attacks by Serbian politicians directed against Reis-ul-ulema Kavazović.

- I think he is being framed. The Reis-ul-ulema is a man who stands for a democratic, strong state. I do not take these accusations against him seriously.

Kavazović is a very busy man who strives to develop the Islamic Community, works in the field, and builds Bosnia and Herzegovina, restoring places of worship.

All his statements, from my point of view, are well-intentioned - Ganić stated, adding that the Reis, as such, "should not be drawn into the turbulence of politicians who live off controversial statements".

Alić: Continuation of hatred by other means

Academic Sead Alić is of the opinion that a large part of the politicians from the smaller entity use every opportunity to instill guilt in the people who were the greatest victims of those whose policies they continue by other means.

- Just as their leaders thought they had the right to destroy, burn, rape, kill, bury in mass graves... in a similar way, their followers think they have the right to condemn every word with which the people condemned to extermination announce that they will not allow it.

The problem is not the statements about not allowing extermination, the problem is the politicians who do not even consider apologizing for the committed crimes, the problem is the continuation of hatred by other means - Alić told Preporod.info.

The problem, he adds, is also the insult to everything Islamic in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- When they could no longer destroy mosques with dynamite, they tried to portray them as something strange. When it became clear to them that even after so many killed, expelled, raped, tortured, disenfranchised... they could not take a piece of Bosnia soaked in mass graves out of Bosnia and Herzegovina - the only thing left for them was to hide behind attacks for what their leaders once did (about which thousands of years of prison sentences speak most vividly).

The only way to prevent a serious, deep, moral discussion about the committed crimes, a discussion that could bring catharsis to Bosnian society and bring peace, is by condemning the victim, a tactic that has been devised and used intensely for a long time.

Naive and unarmed Bosniaks were the last to start a war in those times. Those who started it should be the last today to attack others for mentioning the will to defend themselves from war - Alić emphasized.

He believes that the politicians of the smaller Bosnian-Herzegovinian entity behave like immature children.

- They are crossing all boundaries... They pathologically hide the guilt of their predecessors, trying to present the victim to Europe and the world in the worst possible light. Turn to the political graves left behind by your leaders, children.

Kneel and ask for forgiveness - Alić said, adding that this way they will "create a prerequisite for an honest conversation and the return of the living, deep, rich, beautiful, human - Bosnian-Herzegovinian spirit".

Kovačević: Of course, the state and its institutions are protected by weapons

Professor at the Faculty of Islamic Sciences in Sarajevo, Dr. Almir Fatić, emphasized that the Reis-ul-ulema simply said what the Constitution of this country obliges all its citizens to do.

- And it especially obliges those who, by taking on state functions, take an oath before that Constitution - said Professor Fatić.

Lawyer Emir Kovačević, who is defending the chief imam of the Islamic Community (MIZ) Kozarac Amir-ef. Mahić, who is being accused of hate speech by the same policy that is attacking the Reis-ul-ulema, also reacted.

- Of course, the state and its institutions are protected by weapons. That is what the police and army are for - said lawyer Kovačević.

Academic Gradimir Gojer, director and writer, very clearly pointed out that there is no call for conflict in the Reis-ul-ulema's statements, but there is patriotism!

- While new bloody feasts are being prepared today by fascists, the honorable Reis efendija Kavazović spoke the full truth, emphasizing the right of Bosnians and Herzegovinians to defend themselves, that is, to defend their homeland as long as possible within the system's institutions, but, if necessary, also with weapons!

It is quite clear to me that new "crystal nights", new Srebrenicas, are being prepared, but now under a certain patronage and involvement of international fascist circles - Gojer stated.

He warns that "whoever does not see this is blind".

- Therefore, I understand the statement of Reis Kavazović as the statement of a spiritual leader and humanist who wants (and must!!!) unequivocally stand in defense of his people, but also of all other citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The condemnations from the highest levels of the international community remind me of the pre-war lullabies to citizens and peoples, as if there were no danger. Gentlemen from Europe, you will not deceive Bosnians and Herzegovinians twice!

Reis Kavazović is a patriot and I am on his side! To the Ustašas and Chetniks, for your information and guidance: this is how the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina began thirty years ago - Gojer stated.

Išerić: Organized social action is needed

Melina Borčak, journalist and documentary filmmaker, explaining what she calls "anti-Muslim racism", reminded that Reis-ul-ulema Kavazović once survived a camp and that "they are now criticizing him for not wanting to return there".

- Are European Muslims allowed to survive in Europe? - Borčak asked, and stated that the Reis-ul-ulema has been unjustly accused of "inciting war", recalling all his statements from which it is undoubtedly clear that the Reis-ul-ulema has always contributed to peace and stabilization of relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Legal expert Enver Išerić stated that it is not enough for individuals, no matter how many there are, although it is useful, to react to certain phenomena and problems in order to prevent phenomena and solve problems.

He emphasizes that organized social action is needed.

- Institutions are collapsing at all levels. And rapidly. Be sure of that. And Reis Kavazović felt this and said it publicly. Therefore, instead of stronger individual "social" reactions, let us follow Reis-ul-ulema Kavazović more strongly and decisively - Išerić emphasized.