Lukač: Republika Srpska will publicly announce the names of those violating home isolation

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - As non-compliance with home isolation measures has been observed in RS, the RS Emergency Situations Headquarters will publicly announce the first and last names, and addresses of people violating home isolation, said the Minister of Internal Affairs of RS, Dragan Lukač.

“This measure was adopted with the aim that, if people know someone who has been subjected to these isolation measures, if they see such a person, they report them to the police and competent authorities so that such a person is removed from the street,” said Lukač, BHRT reports.

He added that they have had conscientious citizens so far who have reported such individuals, and the police have apprehended violators and sanctioned them in accordance with the law.

The Minister of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska said that the police will start implementing punitive measures tonight against those who violate the movement ban during the curfew.

“They will be fined between 500 and 1,500 KM,” said Lukač.

Lukač cited a drastic example of a person who left isolation, violated the measure, and appeared on the streets of Banja Luka during curfew, causing an accident.

“This is about absolute arrogance, insolence, and disrespect for the lives of others,” Lukač stated, adding that such individuals should be removed from the street “to a place where they will not endanger anyone.”

He stated that the police warned more than 160 citizens last night about the obligation to respect the curfew.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs, by order of the Republika Srpska Emergency Situations Headquarters, has introduced a curfew in RS. A larger number of citizens were not aware, and we had a certain number of people on the streets. We did not fine them, only warned them. Over 160 people were warned, but today everyone is informed about the measures through the media, and punitive measures will begin,” said Lukač.

He emphasizes that citizens must be very responsible and follow instructions.

“Citizens must behave responsibly, especially those who organize parties and barbecues, and we have information that they are doing so, because they are endangering themselves and their families and all of us. There are many people who do not show symptoms of the virus but are carriers. In this way, they will transmit the virus to critical groups of people who are exposed, whose health is impaired, and who face the worst consequence, which is death,” said the first police officer of RS.

Another decision has been made concerning local government units, which are obliged to provide accommodation for such individuals within 24 hours.

“We will organize quarantine facilities throughout RS that will be under police control. We expect these people to understand that they cannot leave the designated area for 14 days. If they leave quarantine, we will place them in prison,” said Lukač.

This conclusion comes into effect on the day it is adopted and remains in force until March 30.