Incomprehensible media hysteria: Is BiH intentionally being presented as a haven for terrorists

By Amina Čorbo-Zećo

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Persons who left BiH after the summer of 2014, when an amendment to the Criminal Code was adopted in Article 162 B, which sanctions participation in paramilitary or paramilitary formations in some conflict outside BiH, would be questioned upon their return to the country, in some cases detained, and then, based on the gathered information and evidence, indictments were most often filed against them and they were tried before the Court of BiH.

The situation is absolutely clear. BiH is ready for the return of such persons, but the media hysteria prevailing in Bosnia and Herzegovina confuses even the greatest experts. The question arises whether BiH is intentionally being presented as a haven for terrorists, or if it is a matter of ignorance. The media increasingly call everyone ISIL members, and even minors who will need rehabilitation after the horrors they have experienced.

Denis Hadžović, Director of the Center for Security Studies of BiH, points out that he agrees with the comment that hysteria is unnecessarily being created and BiH's image is being further worsened.
"Extraditions of persons from the criminal milieu are carried out almost daily in all countries and generally pass without much public interest.

The public should be sent a message that BiH is a responsible member of the international community that cares about its citizens. It is true in one part that influence should be exerted on creating adequate conditions for the reception of vulnerable categories - women and children.
Quality conditions should be created by the authorities for their adequate reception into the social community," says Hadžović.

He reminds that Kosovo accepted 120 women and children, their citizens, who returned from that area a year ago, and all of this passed without any fanfare or manipulation in the media space.

"As for the returnees, the state has prepared for their treatment in accordance with existing positive regulations and provides guarantees that all will be prosecuted in accordance with the procedures and laws that regulate this area," added Hadžović.

In early February 2019, the United States of America called on countries around the world to take back their citizens, foreign fighters, as well as women and children. The Council of Europe has told BiH that it will have to take back all its citizens who fought in the ranks of ISIL.