SOC: The Prosecutor's Office must punish homophobic attacks, guests went through psychological torture

The Sarajevo Open Center (SOC) issued a statement following last night's attack by four young men on guests at Art Cinema Kriterion, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

- On Friday, March 4, 2016, a homophobic attack occurred against the staff and visitors of Art Cinema Kriterion in Sarajevo. Four young men burst into the cafe, shouting derogatory words, insulting and threatening violence, and throwing bottles, ashtrays, and glasses at those present. They threatened the staff with burning down the cafe and throwing a bomb if they called the police.

One young man was seriously injured, as confirmed by a medical examination, and a young woman was also physically assaulted. About thirty people present at Kriterion at the time experienced severe psychological abuse.

As we learned from the media, the police reportedly apprehended all four, who were released after giving statements. Media statements emphasize that the motive for this attack is unknown, and the incident was characterized as violent behavior.

We, the undersigned civil society organizations, strongly protest this act of violence. We recall the homophobic attack that occurred on February 1, 2014. At that time, Kriterion cinema was also attacked by young men due to its association with the LGBT community. We express concern that this attack, like the one in 2014, will not be prosecuted in any way, and that impunity will send a message to perpetrators that attacks on free and open spaces are welcome.

The police and the Prosecutor's Office must clearly characterize this case as a criminal offense committed out of hatred based on sexual orientation. It is unacceptable for the police to state that the motive for this case is unknown, considering the nature of the attack and the statements taken by the police from those present and witnesses.

Institutions at all levels of government must finally recognize hate crimes as a reality in our society and systematically combat them. Violence against members of minority communities and facilities associated with them does not only target them; all citizens become targets of these attacks. Friday's attack on Kriterion best confirms this.

In response to the homophobic attack on the staff and visitors of Art Cinema Kriterion, a gathering has been scheduled for Sunday, March 6, 2016, at 3 PM at Art Cinema Kriterion, Obala Kulina bana 2.

- Let's show that Sarajevo is a city for all citizens and that we will not submit to violence and terror. This is also a clear message to the police and the prosecutor's office that they MUST FINALLY prosecute the attackers, as this is the second homophobic attack on Kriterion in the last two years. We call on institutions to oppose the escalation of violence, which is becoming increasingly reckless, with a clear and swift response. We are proud of our work and the fact that we have remained true to our principles. Regardless of this and previous similar attacks and attempts at intimidation, we will always keep our doors open in order to create a better and healthier society in BiH - stated Kriterion.

Coalition of Civil Society Organizations:

Initiative for Monitoring European Integration of BiH
Women's Network BiH
Coalition Against Hate Speech and Hate Crimes

Organizations:

Sarajevo Open Center
Why not, Sarajevo
Your Rights BiH, Sarajevo
Civil Rights Defenders, Sarajevo
Women to Women, Sarajevo
Cure Foundation, Sarajevo
Youth Initiative for Human Rights BiH, Sarajevo
Association for Social Research and Communication UD IK, Sarajevo
Center for Political Studies, Sarajevo
Women's Association Seka, Goražde
Tuzla Open Center
Helsinki Parliament of Citizens Banja Luka
Center for Youth Kvart Prijedor
LibertaMO, Mostar
Banja Luka Association of Queer Activists, Banja Luka