Criminal complaint filed against SNSD MP for hate speech

Criminal complaints are being filed in Banja Luka, both for the actions of the former government and for offensive social media posts.

After SNSD MP Momčilo Antonić called Ivan Begić, councilor in the Banja Luka City Assembly, a Ustaša, Begić reacted with a criminal complaint. 

Due to this Facebook post by SNSD MP Momčilo Antonić, PDP councilor in the Banja Luka City Assembly Ivan Begić has filed a criminal complaint for, as he states, public incitement and promotion of violence and hatred.

He first approached the Lazarevo Police Station, where, as he claims, he was told that they would not accept his report and that the Ministry of Internal Affairs does not use its services for daily political purposes. Since he does not expect any reaction from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Begić submitted the criminal complaint to the District Public Prosecutor's Office.

“What hurts me as a person is that someone calls me with such words, which are truly painful to repeat, considering that my great-grandfather died precisely at the hands of the Ustaše, that my father was a member of the Army of Republika Srpska and today, as a veteran, receives 63 KM per month. That cannot be enough for a person even for electricity, let alone for a normal and decent life,” emphasizes Begić. 

Begić does not understand why Momčilo Antonić's actions were supported by some SNSD members. He also announces new criminal complaints. 

“With my lawyer, I have started preparing new criminal complaints against ATV and RTRS, who, after such words were spoken, invited Momčilo Antonić to a live program to continue insulting me and spreading hatred,” adds Begić. 

Lawyer Smiljana Moravac - Babić called on Antonić to issue a public apology for the words spoken.  

“If he does not do so, a civil lawsuit will be initiated, i.e., a civil action for damages due to defamation,” states lawyer Smiljana Moravac - Babić.