OSCE Mission to Bosnia condemns glorification of convicted war criminals and urges rule of law enforcement

Highlighting the responsibilities of leadership, the Mission stressed that political and public figures hold a particular duty to uphold the established facts derived from more than 800 final judgments issued by international and domestic courts concerning war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the 1992-1995 genocide. Leaders are expected to recognize individual criminal responsibility and actively contribute to mutual respect, dignity, and social cohesion.

Addressing law enforcement, the Mission called upon police agencies and prosecutors' offices across the country to fulfill their statutory obligations by documenting, reporting, and investigating such acts impartially, regardless of the identity or affiliation of any alleged perpetrator.

The organization similarly directed its appeal toward the media, particularly public service broadcasters, urging them to cover these matters professionally, accurately, and responsibly. Reporting must remain grounded in judicially established facts while avoiding sensationalism or the amplification of narratives that promote glorification, stoke tensions, or spread disinformation.

Emphasizing that sporting venues must not become platforms for hate, the Mission stated that stadiums should reflect sportsmanship rather than division. Sports authorities, clubs, and relevant institutions bear the responsibility to prevent and properly address inappropriate chants, banners, symbols, and other public displays in favor of fostering an inclusive environment.

Concluding its statement, the Mission called on all citizens to act responsibly and respectfully toward the dignity of others, asserting that every individual in Bosnia and Herzegovina has an equal right to live free from the fear of violence, intimidation, and hate, and that respecting judicial facts remains vital to building trust, reconciliation, and a peaceful future.