Šahman: We are witnessing phenomena reminiscent of the 1990s

(Patria) - We are again witnessing phenomena reminiscent of the 1990s, when our neighboring and friendly country Bosnia and Herzegovina was engulfed in the whirlwind of war, and in Montenegro, under certain repression, a large part of the Bosniak-Muslim population was affected, said the president of the Bosniak Democratic Movement of Montenegro, Sead Šahman, for Antena M.

Šahman commented on the announced promotion of the book "Knights of the Karađorđe Star JVUO 1941-1945" in the hall of the Pljevlja Municipal Assembly.

The book glorifies war criminals, and the official organizer of the promotion is the Committee for the Construction of the Church of Reconciliation, headed by former independent MP and president of the Movement for Pljevlja, Novica Stanić.

Šahman states that today, unfortunately, we are witnessing the relativization of crimes from World War II.

- The promotion itself, its title and the cover depicting convicted war criminals Pavle Đurišić and Draža Mihailović - the most famous members of the quisling movement - send a worrying message to the citizens of Pljevlja - emphasizes Šahman.

He points out that Pljevlja is a city of rich cultural tradition and heritage, a city that has always been multi-ethnic and multi-religious, and adds that with such moves, the local administration is not showing readiness to preserve and protect that heritage.

- I call on them to think carefully before contributing to the stirring up of intolerance among the citizens of Pljevlja, because in that city there still live Bosniak Muslims - although a minority, they are a true bulwark of the cultural heritage of Pljevlja and Montenegro.

By organizing the promotion of a book that relativizes crimes, not only is the memory of the victims of World War II and the 1990s insulted, but convicted war criminals are also glorified.

That is not a good message, nor can that be the Montenegro we want - a civic, multi-ethnic and multi-religious community in which all cultures and all identities are respected - assesses Šahman.

Despite everything, Šahman does not expect significant fluctuations in the way of governing in that municipality or a possible crisis of power, because, unfortunately, as he says, their common denominator is the preservation of seats, party interests and political privileges.

- I believe this situation is temporary. I sincerely hope that in the coming period, Montenegro will see the light, free itself from this model of governance and return to the civic values that have adorned it for decades - concludes Šahman.