OSCE Mission on fan incidents and violence: We expect swift and thorough investigations and for those responsible to be prosecuted

(Patria) - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Mission) expresses serious concern over the recent increase in incidents of violence, hate speech, and other forms of intolerance involving football fans and young people across Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), including in Banja Luka, Doboj, Sarajevo, Stolac, Široki Brijeg, Tuzla, and Zvornik. Such incidents affect the sense of security in the affected communities and beyond, undermining trust, stability, and mutual respect.

"Given that sport should provide a space that brings people together, the Mission calls on the competent authorities to unequivocally express zero tolerance for such acts, including by conducting swift and thorough investigations whenever they occur, to establish all relevant facts and ensure that those responsible are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Youth and sports organizations should actively and consistently use all available mechanisms to prevent and address such behavior, including that at or near sports events. In this regard, the Mission appeals to municipal authorities to ensure that their financial resources do not benefit groups involved in these activities. Citizens and community members can also have a significant impact by fulfilling their responsibility to reject violence and contribute to a safe, dignified, and inclusive environment for all," the OSCE Mission announced.