Commemorative academy in Vareš: We must not allow crimes and violations of human dignity to pass us by

(Patria) - As part of the commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the war crime against Bosniaks of Stupni Do and Vareš, a commemorative academy was held tonight in the Workers' Hall in this town, organized by BZK "Preporod" Vareš.

At the event, in the presence of numerous citizens, the Mufti of Sarajevo, Nedžad-ef. Grabus, addressed the attendees, reminding them that the prohibition of killing an innocent person is part of all religions and all legal systems.

- In theology, the interpretation of faith, and law, there are different approaches to how to treat perpetrators and victims. The big problem we face is the question of what comes first, truth and justice, or reconciliation and forgiveness.

Because of this, in some communities, there is still no willingness to openly talk about what was a crime - said Grabus.

He emphasized that messages are sent from such places about martyrs, people, murdered children, youth, the elderly, women, and those who were honest and protected their land, homeland, and the dignity of others.

- Muslims and Christians are not only not at odds, but they must not be. They must find a way to live together, not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina but also around the world. And criminals should be adequately sanctioned by every just law and legal state - Mufti Grabus conveyed.

He noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina is the homeland of different people, members of multiple religions, and people of different beliefs, which should result in the responsibility of all who speak publicly, especially on behalf of certain collectives.

- All who appear publicly, whether they are imams, priests, politicians, or those in positions of responsibility, must adhere to the law. We in the Islamic Community are called to follow processes, analyze situations, and not allow any crime or violation of human dignity and rights to pass us by - emphasized the Mufti.

He also specifically addressed those who encounter the families of martyrs and people who have gone through severe trauma, trials, injuries, or camps, reminding them of the importance of listening to and recording their testimonies.

- Why does civilization decline? If evil prevails, then there is no happiness. We see how much of the world is currently going through trials where no one can stand up for the poor and the innocent and the weak - noted Grabus.

He also reminded that Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the few areas in Europe where one nation or one religion has never dominated, emphasizing that this is also a message to all friends, neighbors, Catholics, Orthodox, and Jews with whom we live as a people.

- We call for respect for justice, human rights, religious rights, and neighborly relations. We call for the preservation of churches just as we preserve mosques.

This is our religious obligation that Allah, the Almighty, speaks of. Not because it should be fashionable, but because we know that civilization progresses in this way. We hope that, God willing, BiH will develop in this regard - concluded Mufti Grabus.

The central part of the commemoration is planned for Thursday, October 23. The program begins at 8:00 AM with the Peace March "Trasa spasa" (Route of Salvation), which starts from the bus station in Vareš Majdan.

Participants will walk along the path that the residents of Stupni Do tried to find salvation from the attack of the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) units in 1993, and the march ends in Stupni Do, where the central commemoration will be held.

From 8:30 AM on the same day, imams of the Vareš Islamic Community (MIZ) will visit all cemeteries in the Vareš and Stupni Do areas - from Pomenići, Dabravine, Hodžići and Budoželje, to Stupni Do.

At 11:30 AM, flowers will be laid at the memorial, there will be appropriate addresses, and a visit and prayer at the victims' cemetery. After the midday prayer, Kelimei-tevhid will be recited for the martyrs of Bosnia and Herzegovina.