Zenica-Doboj Canton MUP: Detailed search of fans entering Bilino Polje Stadium

The Police Administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Zenica-Doboj Canton is undertaking intensive activities from the Plan of Measures and Actions for operational, physical, KDZ and traffic security, for securing the international match between the national football teams of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ireland.

Today, starting at 5:00 PM, a traffic regime change will be in effect in the city, which includes the closure of certain areas and the prohibition of traffic in the streets in the immediate vicinity of the stadium.

The modified traffic regime will be in effect until 11:00 PM, and 15 minutes before the end of the match, police officers will act at their designated positions in accordance with the adopted traffic regime changes to ensure a safe exit from the city for passenger vehicles and buses from previously designated parking spaces, without major delays, until traffic normalization in the city is established.

Police officers will be deployed at all major intersections in the city with the task of directing traffic participants coming from the M-17 main road and entering the city.

The Police Administration of the Zenica-Doboj Canton MUP calls on all citizens and guests to respect the orders of police officers issued in accordance with the modified traffic regime, and to act accordingly to avoid traffic jams and congestion.

We note that after the match, all vehicles will be allowed to exit the city at the Blatuša interchange, in order to avoid major traffic jams and congestion.

In addition to traffic security, physical, operational, and KDZ security measures for the match are also being undertaken, and as part of the planned activities, police officers from the Criminalistics and KDZ Department have carried out a counter-sabotage inspection of Bilino Polje Stadium, as well as the surrounding area and facilities.

Police officers will take legal measures and actions against all those who do not act in accordance with the orders issued by authorized officials, as well as in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Security of Sports Competitions in the Zenica-Doboj Canton.

In order to consistently apply the aforementioned legal provisions, primarily concerning prohibited items and illegal behavior, we remind fans of the provisions of Article 4 of the Law on Security of Sports Competitions in the Zenica-Doboj Canton, which defines all offenses under the said Law, describes illegal actions and behaviors before, during, and after the match, and the sanctions for established offenses.

The said law prohibits the entry into the stadium of:

- any sharp or hard objects suitable for throwing,

- pyrotechnic devices (firecrackers, flares, etc.), and

- alcoholic beverages and other bottled drinks.

In addition to the aforementioned items, the entry of any banners into the stadium will not be permitted.

Also, considering the variety of props used by fans, we inform citizens that the carrying of items that can conceal a person's identity, so-called "balaclavas," and the bringing of these items into the stadium will not be allowed in the area around the stadium.

A detailed search of all individuals will be conducted at the stadium entrances to prevent the entry of the aforementioned items into the stadium, and individuals who attempt to bring such items into the stadium despite warnings will not be allowed entry.

Furthermore, the said law considers the following, among other things, as an offense:

- bringing or displaying banners or other items with text, images, signs, or other symbols that offend the national, religious, racial, and moral feelings of citizens or incite hatred and violence,

- singing songs or shouting slogans, or otherwise offending the religious, national, racial, and moral feelings of citizens that incite hatred and violence,

- threats, calls for, or incitement to fighting or attacking other spectators, stewards, officials, or other participants in a sports competition.

To avoid unnecessary crowds at the stadium entrances, we call on fans to plan their arrival at the match in advance, as detailed searches of individuals will be conducted at the entrances to prevent the entry of prohibited items. Furthermore, individuals who behave violently, as well as those under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, will be prevented from entering.

Entry will only be permitted to individuals possessing valid match tickets. In case of finding counterfeit tickets, they will be confiscated, and legal measures and actions will be taken against the individuals. A large number of operational officers will be engaged, within the scope of operational security, in collecting all operational data and information, and in conducting operational monitoring of the arrival, stay, and departure of all guests, official personnel, and fans.

Given that parking for passenger vehicles will be restricted in the area around the stadium, we call on citizens to park their vehicles in other areas and in accordance with the adopted traffic regime changes in the city, and not to leave items in their vehicles that could be subject to criminal offenses.

The Police Administration of the Zenica-Doboj Canton MUP also calls on citizens to immediately inform the competent police station by calling 122 or by directly contacting police officers in the field if they have any security-relevant information, as well as information about observed criminal offenses, misdemeanors, and other illegal phenomena.