Ombudsmen Open Ex Officio Case "Kruščica"

In connection with events in the village of Kruščica near Vitez on the night of 23 to 24 August, special police of the Ministry of Interior of the Central Bosnia Canton injured several women who were blocking the road to prevent the construction of mini hydropower plants in this village, the Institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina has opened an ex officio case in which it will examine all circumstances of this case. 

- In this regard, the Ombudsmen of Bosnia and Herzegovina will also review the procedure for obtaining permits for mini hydropower plants from the point of view of environmental protection and the interests of the local population. 

In accordance with the Law on the Human Rights Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the rules of procedure, the Ombudsmen will conduct an investigation, and if they find possible violations of human rights, they will act in accordance with their competences - it was stated.

Members of the Special Unit of the Ministry of Interior of the Central Bosnia Canton injured several women in the village of Kruščica near Vitez, including pregnant women, after the women tried to block the construction of a mini hydropower plant in this village.

Residents have been blocking the local bridge for several days to prevent machines from reaching the construction site, but special police removed them from the bridge this morning, injuring several women.

Resident Muris Đelilović confirmed to Patria that the special police came to ensure the unhindered passage of machines, when force was also used.