Jusko: Time bombs moving among our citizens

(Patria) - Ismir Jusko, Minister of Interior of Sarajevo Canton, spoke to N1 about the implementation of coronavirus protection measures in Sarajevo Canton.

Jusko said that after the curfew was introduced in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina yesterday from 6 PM to 5 AM, he toured the canton area at 9 PM last night and 3 AM this morning to ensure compliance with the measures.

“Out of half a million residents, only three misdemeanor warrants were issued. I want to take this opportunity to thank the citizens for the discipline they showed last night and also ask them to continue this in the coming period as long as the curfew and all other measures that have been in effect for the past 15 days remain in force,” he said.

Jusko claims there are enough police officers on the ground.

“It is absolutely impossible to move through a neighborhood without encountering a police patrol. So there is no chance of going from one part of the city to another without encountering at least five police patrols along the way,” he explained.

He believes that the issue of compliance with self-isolation measures is one of the pressing problems.

“In the past 24 hours, as of 8 AM this morning, we checked on 811 people, and 61 were not at their addresses. That is why I appeal to Prime Minister Novalić and the entire Federal Government to urgently amend the Decree and give us in the canton the authority to handle this. Sixty-one people have ignored all instructions. These people consider themselves above the health and lives of our citizens, above the system, and these people deserve adequate penalties,” he emphasized.

Jusko added that these people are “time bombs moving among our citizens.”

He explained that the only thing the police can currently do is write an official note and forward it to the competent authority.

“But fines of 100 KM are rewards, not punishments,” he stated categorically.

Jusko claims that with an amendment to the Decree, the police would have a free hand to apprehend individuals violating self-isolation.

“These people deserve nothing less. Perhaps self-isolation in one of the detention units will suit them more than the opportunity they had to do it in their own homes,” he emphasized.

Asked whether pet owners can briefly take them out in front of the building in the evening to relieve themselves, Jusko replied:

“The curfew is from 6 PM, and we all must respect it.”

Regarding the movement of children in families with divorced parents, Jusko said the police cannot improvise.

“Should we be flexible about some things? Why not, but we are waiting for instructions from higher levels of government.”

At the end of the appearance, Jusko sent a message to the citizens:

“I believe that at this moment, our health, our lives, the health of our loved ones, fellow citizens, and everyone around us is the priority. We will not lose anything, either mentally or physically, if we grit our teeth for a month and try to get out of this situation. If we relax, if we behave undisciplined, we could experience scenarios I do not wish to discuss.”