Bogić Bogićević's condition stable after emergency surgery in Sarajevo

(Patria) - Former member of the Presidency of SFRY and long-time Bosnian politician Bogić Bogićević (73) underwent emergency surgery at the "Prim. dr Abdulah Nakaš" General Hospital in Sarajevo.

Federalna televizija reported this evening that his health condition is stable after the surgical procedure. The surgery was performed by the director of the General Hospital, Ismet Gavrankapetanović.

The hospital announced that more details about Bogićević's health condition will be known tomorrow.

His close friend Nijaz Skenderagić, speaking for Federalna televizija, conveyed a message from his family and friends, emphasizing the need for public calm.

- What I have been asked, both by his family and friends, is to say that Bogić needs peace above all at this moment and wishes for a speedy recovery, and the least of what is needed are the dramatic and sensational news items that could have been read on some portals in the past few hours - said Skenderagić.

Bogić Bogićević left a deep mark on the political history of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

He was a member of the Presidency of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1989 to 1991.

During that term, he made one of the key decisions - in March 1991, he voted against declaring a state of emergency, thereby preventing the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) from taking full control of the country.

After that, in the autumn of 1991, he withdrew from the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and then held positions as a delegate in the Parliament of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He then also served as the director of the Olympic Committee.

He withdrew from active political life until 2021, when he was nominated for the mayor of Sarajevo, but he withdrew his candidacy.

He remained recognized in public as a politician who made decisions without political pressure, guided by his own conscience.