Guidelines Published: What to Do If the RS Police Stop You for the Flag with Lilies?

(Patria) - An informal group of citizens called "Hyperprivileged Caste" has drawn public attention with social media posts highlighting social inequalities and the need to strengthen institutional accountability.

This is a civic initiative born from a desire to protect citizens' rights and promote social justice.

The group says their goal is not political activism, but active civic engagement and pointing out problems they believe deserve greater attention from the public and relevant institutions.

In case the RS police stop you for the flag of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (the flag with lilies), the group has issued the following guidelines for citizens:

‣ demand that police officers state the legal basis for their actions;

‣ require that all actions be entered into the official record;

‣ insist that the procedure be conducted exclusively through official channels;

‣ do not offer physical resistance if temporary seizure of the flag or other items is requested;

‣ request a receipt for the temporary seizure of items.

‣ if a misdemeanor warrant is issued, request a court decision if you disagree with the allegations in the warrant.

The guide further lists legal mechanisms citizens can use after any police action.

If it is a misdemeanor proceeding before a court, one may request:

‣ challenging the misdemeanor warrant;

‣ a court determination of whether the offense actually existed;

‣ a disciplinary complaint against the police officer;

‣ a review of the legality of the actions;

‣ determination of any violations of official duty.

In the case of a criminal complaint, when there is suspicion of abuse of position or other serious violations of the law, the existence of substantial evidence is required.

Citizens are also advised to record as much information about the incident as possible, including:

‣ the badge number of the police officer;

‣ the license plate of the official vehicle;

‣ the exact location, date, and time of the incident;

‣ the content of communication with the officers;

‣ details of any items that were seized;

‣ information about the record or receipt that was issued.

The group also reminds that the flag of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina is not prohibited by the current laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina and states that displaying it alone does not constitute a criminal offense or hate speech.

They add that under that flag, Bosnia and Herzegovina was admitted to the United Nations and represented in international institutions.

"After subsidies and humanitarian actions - a voice against injustice. We are initiating change," is the message with which "Hyperprivileged Caste" describes its work and public activities.