SIPA Union Appeals to Politicians and Public Officials: Refrain from Public Labeling of Our Members

(Patria) - The Management Board of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) Union issued a statement regarding frequent public appearances by certain political actors and public officials, in which members of SIPA of Serb nationality are mentioned.

"SIPA is a police body of Bosnia and Herzegovina and an administrative organization within the Ministry of Security of BiH with operational independence, established to perform police duties.

SIPA operates exclusively on professional grounds, not representing, protecting, or undermining the interests of any political party, registered organization or association, or any constituent or other nation in BiH.

SIPA employs members of all three constituent nations who, for more than 20 years, have been working together, exclusively in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina, both of its entities, and Brčko District of BiH.

In accordance with the oath they took upon entering service, they perform the duties and obligations of a police officer conscientiously and responsibly, using all their strength to protect the rights, freedoms, and security of all citizens, even in cases where it endangers their lives.

We particularly emphasize the fact that they have been doing this job, all these years, in cooperation with their colleagues and friends from the other 15 police agencies in BiH.

Together with them, they have carried out numerous operations aimed against perpetrators of the most serious forms of crime that threaten our society and state – organized crime, terrorism, human trafficking, and other criminal offenses.

Considering the presented facts, the SIPA Union considers it unacceptable for the holder of any political/public office to label any of the Agency's employees, especially members of the Agency from any of the constituent nations.

It is precisely this type of labeling and threats against SIPA members of Serb nationality that we have been witnessing recently, which is why we believe their safety and the safety of their families, personal integrity, as well as employment rights are endangered.

Threats of criminal prosecution and confiscation of property of our members, as well as other employees, are absolutely unacceptable. Claims that SIPA employees work against the interests of any entity (in this case, Republika Srpska), political subject, or individual are completely unfounded.

In doing so, the Union particularly reminds of the fact that, among SIPA employees, there are also a significant number of fighters of the Army of Republika Srpska, as well as members of their families.

In relation to the above, the Union appeals to all political actors and public officials to refrain from publicly labeling SIPA members based on their nationality.

The Union will continue to protect the rights of all its members, using all possibilities defined by positive regulations and the Statute," the statement from the Management Board of the SIPA Union reads.