Serb Orthodox and Islamic religious officials met in the premises of the Islamic Community office in the southwestern town of Gacko on Tuesday and condemned a Saturday incident - a man had defecated in front of the local mosque.

The incident will not impact the good relations between the Islamic Community and the Serb Orthodox Church, they agreed.

Among the religious officials were also the heads of the Islamic and Orthodox communities in the wider area of the city of Mostar.

“We are all appalled and humiliated. We came to Gacko to express support for our Imam, on behalf of the Eparchy, the head of the Orthodox Church and all priests (…) To condemn and call upon institutions to sanction this act, and if we are talking about a person who is ill, to provide him with adequate treatment,” said the head of the Mostar Orthodox community, Radivoje Krulj.

“This development has brought unrest and commotion, it was an uncivilised gesture which should be condemned,” Mostar’s Mufti Salem Dedovic said.

Police have identified the man as Danel Rajkovic, who was detained on suspicion of inciting religious animosity.

Rajkovic allegedly has mental health issues.