US lawmakers alarmed over Srebrenica Memorial Center staff summonses: ‘The scope and timing raise serious alarm’

Bell and Wagner are two of the co-chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional Bosnia Caucus and both represent the St. Louis region in Missouri, which is home to the largest Bosnian population outside Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In a joint statement, Bell and Wagner said they were concerned by reports that current and former Memorial Center staff had been called in for questioning by Republika Srpska authorities.

“We are deeply troubled by reports that current and former staff of the Srebrenica Memorial Center have been called in for questioning by Republika Srpska authorities.

The scope and the timing of these summonses raise serious alarm - especially given that the Memorial Center's work is essential to safeguarding the historical record, honoring those who were killed, and defending human rights.

We urge the relevant authorities to respect the rule of law, protect the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina's institutions, and allow the Memorial Center to carry out its vital mission without fear of intimidation.”

The statement comes after the Zvornik Police Department summoned 26 current and former employees of the Srebrenica Memorial Center for questioning.