Minors responsible for false bomb threats in TK

(Patria) - False reports of planted bombs have recently disturbed students, parents, and teachers in the Tuzla Canton (TK) and beyond.

The threats arrived via email to the addresses of more than a hundred schools, and a number of police and security agencies are involved in the investigation, writes Federalna.ba.

Experts warn that such cases have serious consequences for society, while institutions are also working on preventing other forms of risky behavior among young people.

Reports of planted bombs were recently received in primary schools in Tuzla, Lukavac, Gradačac, Živinice, Kalesija, and Kladanj. The reports arrived via threatening emails.

Relevant institutions have been notified, and the investigation is ongoing. The most common motive, according to the TK Prosecutor's Office, is to empty the facilities so that they cease to function and operate.

"Another motive is to cause the deployment of emergency services, primarily police officers and other emergency services, which often involves material, financial, and human resources, and it is dangerous in itself to falsely report such bombs," says Admir Arnautović, spokesperson for the TK Prosecutor's Office.

Officials state that prevention, timely reaction, and cooperation between families, schools, and the system are key in combating risky behaviors, and they appeal to the perpetrators of these criminal offenses to be aware of the serious consequences of false reports. From a psychological perspective, there are several motives for such actions.

"To cause fear, panic, to disrupt something, and we as a society have been living under some kind of fear for years. Then, to draw attention to oneself. Perhaps someone lacks attention and thinks they will get it that way," says psychotherapist Vahida Djedović.

This year, nine reports of planted bombs have been recorded. Mostly, these were reports addressed to schools, and in one case, to a Municipal Court.

"This year, together with police agencies and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of TK, we have identified four perpetrators. In all four cases, they are minors, and preparatory proceedings have been initiated against them," Arnautović points out.

In addition to bomb threats, TK also faces other forms of risky behavior among young people, which the Educational Center is dealing with.

This year, they had over 60 requests from social work centers for preventive treatments and the execution of educational measures. Among them was a case of negligent homicide committed by a minor.

"Violent behavior, robbery, minor and serious bodily injuries, theft of another's property, sexual intercourse with a child, misuse of distress signals, and grand theft," says Faruk Durmić, director of the JU Educational Center TK.

When we talk about false reports, they are not a joke but a criminal offense that interrupts classes and burdens services, and children and parents feel the consequences the most.

In addition to investigations and prosecutions, prevention and the joint work of schools, families, and institutions remain key to minimizing such cases and ensuring that safety in schools remains a priority."