Korman: Security situation in the Federation better for the third year in a row

This year is more than demanding for the Federal Police Administration (FUP); on June 6, Pope Francis will visit Sarajevo, and on July 11, the 20th anniversary of the greatest genocide in Europe since World War II will be marked in Srebrenica.

High-risk gatherings

Some of the greatest world leaders of today have announced their arrival in Srebrenica, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Both events are of extremely high risk.

The media speculates that some terrorist organizations have announced an assassination attempt on the Holy Father. Although still only speculation, they cannot be ignored, because during the visit of Pope John Paul II in April 1997, such a large amount of explosives was found under the bridge near RTV that, had it been detonated, it could have damaged not only the bridge the Holy Father was supposed to cross, but also a good part of the settlement.

Ensad Korman, acting director of the Federal Police Administration, reveals to the BiH news agency Patria that he is confident that the Federal Police will handle both tasks flawlessly.

Members of the FUP are among the best-equipped and most capable police officers in BiH. A few days ago, they received an award from the Southeast European Law Enforcement Center (SELEC) for their work.

Breaking up a drug ring

Namely, the FUP assisted in dismantling a significant drug cartel in Montenegro, from which 34 kilograms of cannabis, as well as other drugs, were seized. A total of 28 people were arrested.

- As much as 7.3 percent fewer criminal offenses were recorded in the Federation of BiH in 2013 compared to the previous year. The public order and peace situation in the Federation is also more favorable than the previous year. The trend of decreasing criminal offenses is also recorded in the first two months of 2015. Only the traffic situation is slightly worse than the previous year, but the number of fatalities in traffic accidents is lower than in 2013 - says Korman, explaining that the lower crime rate in the Federation of BiH is due to better coordination between police bodies, and a more professional and better-equipped police force.

Observing the security situation in the Federation, Korman says it is at the level of the entire region and does not lag behind neighboring countries in any way.

And he is sure that it could be even better if prosecutors and courts made progress. As many as 50 percent of criminals in the Federation are repeat offenders, at least when it comes to street crime and violent behavior.

If such individuals were imprisoned, they could even lead the region.

The last major operation of the Federal Police Administration shown to the public was the arrest of the former Prime Minister of Una-Sana Canton, Hamdija Lipovača, who is accused by the prosecution of abuse of office. After that, the citizens of the Federation did not have the opportunity to see spectacular raids by FUP special forces. And, judging by Korman's words, citizens will have to wait a while longer for the next spectacular operation.

- That doesn't mean we aren't working. On the contrary, in the first months of 2015, we are recording increased activity in all areas. In the last ten days alone, we have broken up a group of drug criminals. But, simply, we are not releasing all the details to the public. In agreement with the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor's Office, we have decided that the police should appear in public as little as possible. The Prosecutor's Office should do that - says Korman.

My duty is to respect the law

When asked by Patria journalists how the FUP was affected by the saga with the former FUP director Dragan Lukač, who is trying to regain the position of director again, even though his appointment was deemed illegal by the previous convocation of the FBiH Government, Korman says he is not too concerned about it.

- In the whole story about Lukač, I only want to respect the law. If the Court decides that Lukač should be the director of the FUP again, I will respect the Court's decision. If, however, the Court decides that he should not be the director of the FUP, I will respect that decision as well. In everything, including these sagas around Lukač, I want to be professional and respect the law, as is expected of the police - says Korman.

He also added that, according to his information, the former FUP director will meet the legal requirements for retirement at the end of this month.