Zvizdić Condemns Hate Messages from Čapljina Carnival and Calls on Authorities to React

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Zvizdić said he is concerned and disgusted by the messages of hate, ethnic and religious discrimination sent over the past weekend by certain radicalized citizens of Čapljina during the Velika maškare event.

„Their morbid performance represents an unacceptable act that insults victims, undermines individual dignity, and incites fear“, said Zvizdić. 

During the carnival in Čapljina, a group of young men simulated the funeral of Željko K., alluding to the President of the Democratic Front, Željko Komšić. The HDZ BiH has long accused Komšić of not being a true Croat and of being unfit to serve as a member of the BiH Presidency representing the Croatian people, reports the Patria agency.

The young men simulated the funeral according to Muslim religious customs, alluding to the fact that Komšić has the support of Bosniak voters.

They also simulated an indictment against a figure symbolizing Hague judge Carmelo Agius, who convicted former leaders of the Croatian Community of Herceg-Bosna for crimes against Bosniaks.

„At a time when we should be striving for the civilizational values embedded in the European Convention on Human Rights, which most clearly condemn discrimination on any grounds, such behavior by individuals who insult the dignity of others and glorify convicted war criminals represents a brazen, uncivilized, and ominous act“, stated Prime Minister Zvizdić. He said he expects the competent institutions to take all necessary steps in accordance with legal procedures to stop and sanction demonstrations of ideological, national, and religious hatred.