Commemoration at Kapija: We will forever remember the murdered youth of Tuzla

(Patria) - Family members, survivors, and numerous delegations from all levels of government attended the commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the Kapija massacre in Tuzla today, one of the most tragic crimes committed against civilians during the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The commemoration was also attended by members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić and Denis Bećirović, State Minister for Human Rights and Refugees Sevlid Hurtić, and delegations from the Government of Tuzla Canton and the City of Tuzla.

On this day, May 25, 1995, a shell fired from the positions of the Army of Republika Srpska killed 71 people, while more than 200 citizens were wounded. The average age of the killed was only 23 years.

The Kapija massacre remains one of the most severe crimes against civilians during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a lasting wound for the city of Tuzla and the entire country.

Minister Hurtić stated that the culture of remembrance must remain a permanent obligation for all institutions and future generations.

"Today we are here to pay tribute to the innocently murdered youth of Tuzla and to express our respect to the families who have been carrying the pain and sorrow of losing their loved ones for three decades. Kapija is not just a place of suffering, but a symbol of warning to humanity how devastating hatred and war can be. It is our responsibility to preserve the truth, nurture a culture of remembrance, and build a society where peace, dignity, and mutual respect will be the foundation of the future," said Minister Hurtić.

He added that the victims of Kapija must never be forgotten and that the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina have an obligation to cherish the memory of the innocent civilian victims and clearly condemn any form of denial of the crime. May 25th has been declared a Day of Mourning in the Tuzla Canton.