Jakovčić: Victims do not consider Croatia responsible for crimes, but the Croatian government does

ZAGREB, (Patria) - Eugen Jakovčić from the Centre for Dealing with the Past Documenta commented on yesterday's events in The Hague for RTL television.

When asked how the verdict against the Croatian Six could affect coexistence among peoples, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jakovčić says:

- The statements of the Prime Minister, and especially the Speaker of Parliament, I don't think contribute to the atmosphere; it is a continuation of what began today in the courtroom with that tragic act. What is evident is the denial of judicially established facts beyond a reasonable doubt that numerous crimes were committed against civilians and prisoners of war - Jakovčić stated for RTL.

He added that it is fascinating how former camp inmates from Dretelj and Heliodrom, and the victims' families, who followed the trial, reacted.

- They clearly stated that Croatia is not responsible, that Croats are not guilty, and it is completely fascinating that those who went through the camps, who experienced that criminal Herceg-Bosna firsthand, do not consider that verdict as collective responsibility of Croatia, while the Croatian Prime Minister, Croatian officials, and whoever else, consider Croatia responsible. So, in that sense, it is an interesting phenomenon - said Jakovčić.

When asked how politicians in Croatia should react after the verdict, in his opinion, Jakovčić said that Croatia should distance itself from the criminal entity of Herceg-Bosna, which caused great harm not only to Bosniaks but also to Croats, especially Croats in Central Bosnia who, as stated in this verdict, were forcibly displaced from those parts that did not include that famous and imagined Herceg-Bosna.

They should be mindful, like the Minister of Culture Nina Obuljen, of what book presentations they attend and where they give legitimacy by participating, because the minister participated in the presentation of a book by a war criminal, Jadranko Prlić, who was legally convicted - said Jakovčić.