Zahiragić: Move CIPS to Lukavica – that is the answer to chauvinism and hatred

(Patria) - The scandalous report by RTRs about the purchase of apartments in East Sarajevo, which problematizes the fact that Bosniaks are buying real estate in this part of the city, has triggered an avalanche of reactions in the public, warnings from international experts, and the announcement of criminal charges for spreading national hatred.

The controversial report suggested that the purchase of apartments represents a threat, while some officials openly spoke of "fear", which, according to numerous assessments, targeted one national group, namely Bosniaks. According to assessments, the entire story about institutionalized chauvinism in the public space begins precisely with this report.

The danger of such media discourse was warned about by the international expert on media and human rights, former OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, and former Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović, emphasizing that the RTRs report dehumanizes people, generates fear, and builds a "threat narrative".

Following this, came the reaction of SDA delegate Haris Zahiragić, who announced the filing of criminal charges against Ljubiša Čosić and RTRs for inciting national hatred, but also sent a clear call to citizens.

"The RS entity is not Serbian, nor will it ever be Serbian. It is an integral part of Bosnia and Herzegovina and belongs to all peoples and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Therefore, no city or municipality is, nor will it ever be, exclusively Serbian territory," Zahiragić stated.

Speaking about Lukavica, he reminded that this area is not historically ethnically homogeneous.

"Bosniaks lived there for centuries, while the first Serbs appeared in these areas only at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. Lukavica was once officially called 'Turbe', as old Sarajevans well know," he stated.

He emphasized that no one has the right to deny anyone, especially long-time residents, the right to buy property and live where they want.

Zahiragić described the RTRs report on the purchase of apartments in East Sarajevo as "chauvinistic and scandalous at the very least," emphasizing that those who participated in it also bore responsibility.

"This is not just a topic for the Communications Regulatory Agency, but also for the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina," he said, recalling the provisions of the Criminal Code of BiH that sanction the incitement of national hatred.

Zahiragić announced that he will file criminal charges next week, but at the same time, he also issued a call to Bosniaks to act politically and civically.

"I call on all Bosniaks who intend to buy property in Sarajevo to do so precisely in Lukavica. I also call on all those who have bought property there to move their CIPS registration, in order to exercise their active and passive voting rights at the local, entity, and state levels. That is the most effective response to chauvinism, lies, and hatred," Zahiragić stated.