Lendo in Vitez: Our strength is in truth

(Patria) - Vice President of the Federation of BiH Refik Lendo attended today in Vitez the commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the crime known as "Cisterna 1993", one of the most tragic attacks on civilians during the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The commemoration program began with the recitation of Yasin and a prayer at the Ahmed-agina mosque, after which it continued at the memorial monument "Cisterna" – symbolically named "Truth and Remembrance – Cisterna 1993."

In his address, Vice President Lendo emphasized the importance of the culture of remembrance and truth.

“Today we gather at a place of pain and remembrance. We remember Mujo Šahman, a man who was not a soldier, but a father, husband, humanitarian. His name remains a symbol of humanity and courage. We are here to express our respect, support the families of the victims, and send a clear message – we do not seek revenge, but justice. Our strength is in truth and the belief that evil will never happen to anyone again.”

Vice President Lendo thanked the families of the victims, associations, and individuals who preserve the truth and contribute to the culture of remembrance.

“No one has ever been held accountable for this crime. But moral and human responsibility remains. If we remain silent, we consent. And we do not consent to forgetting. Bosnia and Herzegovina can only survive on truth, justice, and mutual respect. Let's build a safer future for our children together, Lendo said.
Vice President Lendo, along with those present, paid tribute to the innocent victims of this crime by laying flowers and reciting Fatiha at the "Cisterna" Martyr's Memorial.

On that fateful day in 1993, HVO units sent a cistern filled with explosives towards a part of the settlement where more than a thousand civilians were located. The cistern was driven by Mujo Šahman, who was forcibly sent from the camp at "Dubravica" Elementary School. In the explosion, along with him, five other residents of Stari Vitez were killed.