Helsinki Committee alarmed by escalation of hate speech from Milorad Dodik

In a formal statement, the Committee highlighted a pattern of open generalization and stigmatization of entire communities within Dodik’s public addresses. They noted the use of derogatory and offensive terms directed at specific ethnic groups, alongside elements of historical revisionism. According to the Helsinki Committee, these outbursts are part of a recognized pattern of political dehumanization that transcends legitimate political debate and enters the realm of legal and political responsibility.

The public use of derogatory ethnic and religious labels, terms with a long history of humiliation and incitement, was singled out as particularly unacceptable. The Committee emphasized that when such language is used by an individual holding the highest levels of political power, it ceases to be a private opinion and serves as a message that normalizes insults and deepens societal divisions.

Furthermore, the statement warns that the consequences of this rhetoric do not only affect the targeted groups but also inflict long-term damage on the Serb people by contributing to political and international isolation. The Committee argues that hate speech is being used as a calculated political tool to distract from real governance issues, such as systemic corruption, the demographic crisis, and the erosion of the rule of law.

"When there are no answers to questions about corruption and responsibility, hatred is produced. When there is no progress in the economy and the standard of living, fear is produced. When a government loses legitimacy, enemies are produced," the statement reads.

The Helsinki Committee concluded by calling on competent prosecutor's offices and regulatory bodies to actively monitor and legally evaluate these public statements to protect the public interest and the constitutional order.