Trgovska Gora is not a spin, attacks on Hurtić are attacks on the rights of BiH citizens

Media attacks that followed from the Republic of Croatia on the Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sevlid Hurtić, after his guest appearance on the show Centralni dnevnik with Senad Hadžifejzović, represent nothing new, but they do represent a serious problem, it was announced from the Minister's Cabinet.

Not because of the minister himself, but because of the message that is being attempted to be sent to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"At a time when the project of radioactive waste disposal at Trgovska Gora is openly discussed, an issue that directly threatens the health and lives of people on both sides of the border, the focus of some media outlets was not on the substance, but on discreditation. Instead of a discussion about the right to a healthy environment, we are witnessing an attempt to relativize and ridicule legitimate resistance.

Minister Hurtić clearly stood up in defense of the fundamental human rights of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina in his appearance, reminding that the issue of Trgovska Gora is not a political squabble, but an existential issue. His statement that the citizens of BiH are "clean people" is not an insult directed at anyone, but a reaction to narratives that have been coming from certain circles for years, which try to present Bosnia and Herzegovina as a space of lesser value.

This stance is not an isolated case. Earlier, during his address to the Croatian Parliament, Hurtić directly responded to the rhetoric of President Zoran Milanović, stating that the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina "washed themselves and bought perfume," symbolically rejecting stereotypes and humiliating narratives.

What is particularly worrying is the pattern when representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina clearly and argumentatively defend the interests of their country, a part of the media scene in Croatia reacts with a campaign, personalizing the problem and diverting attention from key issues. This does not contribute to solving open issues, but deepens mistrust.

The essence is simple, the right to a healthy environment, safety, and dignity of citizens are not topics for spin or media attacks. If there is a sincere interest in good neighborly relations, they are not built on discreditation, but on dialogue and mutual respect.

Therefore, this case is not just a story about one minister, but a test of political and media maturity in the region, and unfortunately, many have failed it again," it was announced.