Mo BiH: Armed Forces members participated in religious ceremony in Banja Luka as planned

Minister of Defence of BiH Zekerijah Osmić issued an order on 20.01.2015 to the General Inspectorate of the Mo BiH to investigate the circumstances surrounding a photograph published on the Facebook profile of Srđan Puhalo, which showed about ten professional military personnel in official BiH Armed Forces uniforms at a gathering with individuals wearing uniforms and insignia of unknown origin.

- Based on the report of the General Inspectorate, it was established that the controversial photograph was taken on 19.01.2015 at the Gradski most location in Banja Luka on the occasion of the Epiphany procession, which is traditionally celebrated every year in Banja Luka. The ceremony is organized annually, and invitations for attendance are sent by the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Banja Luka Parish, and the City Administration of Banja Luka.

Members of the Armed Forces of BiH of Orthodox faith, deployed at the "Kozara" barracks, were allowed to attend this religious event in accordance with the documents of the Mo and AF BiH that allow for religious freedoms.

However, although attendance at this religious ceremony was planned and organized, there was no connection or intention of joint participation of AF BiH members and individuals in controversial uniforms and insignia - it was announced.

Minister of Defence of BiH Zekerijah Osmić issued guidelines that competent services and commands should regularly and comprehensively assess the circumstances, benefits, or potential damage to the reputation of the Mo and AF BiH.

This particularly applies to cases of participation and attendance of Mo and AF BiH members at various gatherings and religious events not organized by the Mo and AF BiH, and to take measures to preserve the reputation of the BiH defence institutions.

We remind you that Puhalo wrote in a comment, "Chetniks and the Army of BiH together in Banja Luka, PEACE AND LOVE!!!"