Durakovic condemns ban on BiH victory celebration in Zvornik

According to him, young people were stopped, identified, tested, and turned back simply because they were supporters of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He stated that this is not a matter of public order and peace, but rather one of systemic discrimination and a political message that, in parts of this country, neither the flag, jersey, nor expressions of joy for Bosnia and Herzegovina are welcome.

''We do not accept such a message. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country for all its citizens. Its flag is not a provocation. Its national team is not a threat. Its supporters are not a security issue. The real problem is a policy that tries to turn love for one’s own country into an incident,'' said Durakovic.

He called for an urgent public statement from the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska, as well as an investigation into the responsibility of all those involved in intimidating the citizens of Zvornik.

''The police are funded by the money of all citizens, including those who love Bosnia and Herzegovina, and must not be used as an instrument of political humiliation against anyone. We will not give up the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will not give up the right of children, young people, and citizens to celebrate their country's success. We will not allow Bosnia and Herzegovina to be treated as a foreign country in its own cities. The homeland is defended on the Drina River. Zvornik is Bosnia and Herzegovina. Every one of its cities is Bosnia and Herzegovina. And that is how it will remain,'' Durakovic said.