Bosnia’s Helez warns secessionists of ‘brutal response’ during Banja Luka visit

While in the city centre, Helez addressed threats he said he had received in recent days, as well as calls for secession.

“As for the threats directed at me, today I am in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in one of the most beautiful cities in the country, Banja Luka, and I am calling for tolerance and coexistence, and for everyone to feel comfortable in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Helez said.

“I also want to send a message from the centre of Banja Luka to those advocating secession that it will never happen. If anyone tries, they will face a brutal response,” he added.

In recent days, Helez has posted messages on social media which he says constitute threats against him.

During his visit, the Defence Minister also thanked Banja Luka residents for their reception.

“I have to thank the people of Banja Luka for the warm welcome. We walked through the streets of Banja Luka. As for the visit to the Agency, we promised a donation and we will deliver it very soon,” Helez said.

According to his social media post, Helez also attended Friday prayers at the Ferhadija Mosque during his stay in Banja Luka before visiting the Agency for Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance.

Criminal complaint filed against Helez

On the same day, SNSD lawmakers Sanja Vulic and Milorad Kojic, members of the House of Representatives of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliamentary Assembly, filed a criminal complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina against Helez and Bosnia and Herzegovina Armed Forces Brigadier Sefik Cimpo, alleging abuse of office or authority.

According to the complaint, Cimpo issued a decision on September 10 initiating disciplinary proceedings against members of the Armed Forces’ Third Infantry Regiment, while Helez subsequently said on Facebook that he had signed a decision terminating the contracts of two Armed Forces members.

Vulic and Kojic claim there were no legal grounds for terminating the contracts, citing provisions of the Law on Service in the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The filing of a criminal complaint does not mean that criminal responsibility has been established for any of those named in it.