Pettigrew: January 9th is a celebration of genocide, the real question is why Schmidt and prosecutors are not reacting

(Patria) - American professor of philosophy and Holocaust and genocide studies David Pettigrew was a guest on the show "7Plus" on Hayat Television tonight.

The first month of the year is always a painful topic due to the stubborn insistence of Republika Srpska authorities to celebrate January 9th as the Day of Republika Srpska, even though the Constitutional Court has declared it an unconstitutional holiday.

Although the High Representative recently used his Bonn powers to annul the conclusions of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, which represented another blow to the judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he has done nothing this year regarding the celebration of a date that evokes memories for many of the beginning of numerous and brutal war crimes committed by Bosnian Serbs, which culminated in the genocide committed against Bosniaks in the UN-protected zone of Srebrenica.

- First, let me say that I support the High Representative's latest decision regarding the annulment of the conclusions of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, which shows and proves that no one can be above the law in a democracy governed by laws.

Of course, this confirms and prompts your question as to why the Bonn powers are not being used in another instance that is not only unconstitutional but also a very traumatic experience for survivors in the BiH entity of Republika Srpska, which is essentially a celebration of genocide - says Professor Pettigrew.

He adds that the real question is why the High Representative is not taking the necessary action in this case as well.

- I really think this is an important question for the High Representative, why he uses his Bonn powers so selectively. I also think that the Prosecutor's Office has the strength and power to prosecute those who violate the Criminal Code of BiH, which includes the celebration of the unconstitutional January 9th.

It seems, therefore, that it would be necessary for prosecutors to criminally prosecute those who threaten secession or separation from state institutions, and it is indeed interesting why this is not happening.

It is possible that this is due to a lack of funds and resources, but even in the law on the establishment of the Prosecutor's Office, there is a part that opens up the possibility for the BiH Prosecutor's Office to use international resources. Perhaps this is also an opportunity to invite international prosecutors to help with the creation of these cases.

It is logical, if you think and listen to such rhetoric every day, like Milorad Dodik's statement yesterday, who says that their plan is secession, and everyone knows that. So, it is a known issue and therefore should be a subject for prosecutors - says Pettigrew.