OSCE warns of growing glorification of war criminals in Bosnia

The statement comes amid ongoing criticism from nongovernmental organisations and political parties that state prosecutors, particularly the BiH Prosecutor's Office, fail to react to increasingly frequent instances of glorification of war criminals, which has been criminalised since 2021.

Under amendments imposed by former High Representative Valentin Inzko, public glorification of individuals convicted of war crimes carries prison sentences of six months to five years.

Penalties apply to anyone who denies committed genocide or attempts to justify it, as well as crimes against humanity.

Prison sentences also apply to anyone who publicly distributes leaflets, images or other materials glorifying war criminals or otherwise honouring them, including naming public buildings, streets or squares after convicted perpetrators.

So far, the Prosecutor's Office has filed only one indictment, against Vojin Pavlovic, leader of a marginal nationalist group in Bratunac, who was sentenced to two and a half years for glorifying Ratko Mladi,, wartime commander of Bosnian Serb forces, sentenced to life imprisonment for war crimes.

Despite a 8 January speech by former Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik openly praising Mladic and Radovan Karadzic, no action has yet been taken.

The OSCE stressed that such acts are deeply offensive to victims, undermine reconciliation and violate democratic values.

It expressed regret that leading political figures failed to prevent or condemn these acts, warning that the lack of decisive action carries the risk of creating a climate of impunity. The Mission called on the judiciary to urgently and effectively enforce the law, making it a priority.