EMERGENCY ADDRESS Police officers arrested 40 minutes after report, Hajdarević claims this is an isolated case

(Patria) - A press conference was held at the Base of the Sector for Police Support of the Police Administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Sarajevo Canton in Nahorevo by the Chief Cantonal Prosecutor Meliha Dugalija and the Police Commissioner of the Police Administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of KS Fatmir Hajdarević.

An extraordinary press conference was scheduled on the occasion of the arrest of two Sarajevo police officers on suspicion of criminal offenses of sexual harassment and sexual abuse of a child over 15 years of age.

In the meantime, one police officer was released from suspicion and let go, while police officer Amar Turčalo was handed over to the KS Prosecutor's Office, on suspicion of committing the criminal offense of sexual abuse of a minor.

“On November 1st at 11:25 PM, an official from a social welfare institution in the KS area approached the MUP KS and reported that a minor ward had inappropriate contact with adult men, and that police officers were also mentioned.

The KS prosecutor was informed, and teams were formed to take all measures and actions. On November 2nd at 12:05 AM, a police officer was deprived of liberty on suspicion of committing the criminal offense of child sexual abuse. On the same day at 2:50 AM, a second police officer was deprived of liberty for committing the offense of sexual harassment. The first was arrested at the police station premises because he was on duty,” said Commissioner Hajdarević, adding that the second police officer was arrested at home.

He explained that one police officer was released, while the other was detained due to well-founded suspicion that he had sexual intercourse with a minor in October.

“It is important to emphasize that this is not an organized action, nor has coercion and abuse been established. The individual will be held accountable in accordance with the Law. The case is not related to the case in Tuzla,” said Commissioner Hajdarević.

He added that both officers have been suspended until the proceedings are concluded, and that the released police officer will not return to work until the disciplinary proceedings are concluded.

He noted that all institutions where children reside are a focus of the police, and that work is being done on this.

"This is an isolated case of an individual who will be held accountable for his actions. This is not a systemic failure," said Hajdarević, noting that the reported police officers were promptly deprived of liberty.

Dugalija emphasized that in this specific case, every slightest suspicion is promptly investigated, thus respecting the Criminal Code of BiH.

"That is what we must have sensitivity and responsibility for," said Dugalija.

She noted that this is an early stage of the investigation, and that information about these events was obtained by a professional working in the social institution.

She stressed that the vigilance of our society must always be present."