By awarding those indicted of war crimes, Bosnia and Herzegovina disrespects the innocent war victims and undermines reconciliation and relations in communities, the head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia, Bruce Berton, said on Friday, after the Zenica Doboj Canton awarded the former Bosnian army general Sakib Mahmuljin with a plaque.

“To overcome the legacy of war, Bosnia and Herzegovina must first respect innocent victims of war. Awarding those who are accused of war crimes does the opposite, while undermining reconciliation and community relations,” Berton said.

Bosnia's, Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDK) awarded honorary plaques to several individuals from the canton who contributed to its social, cultural and economic development, among which was the former Bosnian Army general Sakib Mahmuljin.

The State Prosecution had indicted Mahmuljin of war crimes committed in the area of Vozuca and Zavidovici, central Bosnia.

According to the Prosecution, Mahmuljin failed to prevent murders and inhumane treatment of prisoners of war (PoW) by the El Mujahid unit consisting of foreign Muslim volunteers who fought on the Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) side, who killed 52 PoWs between 11 and 29 of September 1995.

The indictment adds that Mahmuljin had sufficient information allowing him to conclude that his subordinates from the said unit prepared for the crimes against Serb PoWs and civilians.

The Mahmuljin trial began in March 2016 and currently, the defence is exhibiting its evidence.