Isak on arrests of police officers in Tuzla and Sarajevo: No protection for crime within the police

(Patria) - Federal Minister of Internal Affairs Ramo Isak commented on the arrest of several police officers on suspicion of committing serious criminal offenses against minors, expressing deep concern, outrage, and determination that all those who have abused their uniform and the trust of citizens will face full responsibility for their actions.

“I am deeply shaken and outraged by the news of the arrest of police officers on suspicion of serious criminal offenses against minors. Such cases evoke feelings of anger, shame, and concern in every person who believes in the calling of a police officer as a guardian of law and dignity.

Such people do not deserve to wear a police uniform, nor to be part of a system for a single day whose task is to protect children, women, and the most vulnerable members of society. Such actions are not only a disgrace to the police but are a wound to the entire society. This is not just a matter of individuals, but a systemic alarm for all of us: for ministries, social services, child protection centers, educational institutions, and every citizen who must not turn a blind eye to evil.

I wonder how we reached the point where those who swore to protect become predators? This question requires deep analysis and joint action from all institutions, without exception.

In this entire terrible story, the only encouraging fact is that such cases are no longer being covered up. Today, they are being discovered, prosecuted, and the public has the right to know. This indicates that within the police structures, despite everything, a fight is being waged for the honor and dignity of the police profession.

I offer full support to all honorable, honest, and professional police officers who, with immense risks, honorably wear the uniform and defend the law every day. They are the majority, and because of them, we must be determined to remove every stain, every individual who tarnishes the reputation of the service, from the ranks of the police,” Isak stated.

He called on all Ministries of Internal Affairs in the Federation of BiH to take all legally prescribed measures without delay to prevent even the slightest forms of abuse.

“I also call on other institutions, judicial, social, educational, and so on, which must take their share of responsibility.

Finally, we must state very clearly – our children must be protected, without exception and without compromise. This is the responsibility of every individual and every institution in this country.

The Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Federal Police Administration stand at the disposal of all competent authorities and will provide full support within their legal jurisdictions.

I call on everyone who has any knowledge or information about the dishonorable actions of police officers to immediately report that information to the competent authorities. We will not remain silent. We will not protect. At the beginning of our mandate, we promised to deal with crime within the police ranks, and we have no intention of giving up on that,” the minister’s reaction stated.