BAN ON SYMBOLS OF THE NDH AND THE SO-CALLED ARMY OF BiH WAS NECESSARY TO CURB EXTREMISM

BELGRADE, JULY 10 /SRNA/ - Amendments to the Criminal Code of Republika Srpska banning the display and glorification of symbols of the NDH /Independent State of Croatia/ and the so-called Army of BiH were necessary to reduce extremist activities in Republika Srpska, and the competent authorities should enforce them, Mitar Kovač, a member of the Serbian Parliament, told SRNA.

Kovač, a retired general, praised the actions of the executive and legislative authorities in Republika Srpska aimed at preventing the pro-Nazi and hostile activities of former formations from the civil war in BiH, as well as their activities throughout Republika Srpska and the intimidation of citizens, particularly in local communities along the inter-entity boundary line. Kovač pointed out that no Serbs go to Sarajevo's Baščaršija wearing extremist symbols or insignia. "The same should not be allowed for members of either the Bosniak or Croatian people who identify with the ideology of neo-Nazi formations from World War II or from the civil war in BiH," Kovač said. He assessed that this behavior and these activities were exactly what necessitated the adoption of this law. "We have witnessed frequent incidents of them burning symbols and desecrating the insignia of Republika Srpska in areas along the inter-entity boundary," said Kovač, who is also a member of the Parliamentary Forum Serbia–Republika Srpska. The National Assembly of Republika Srpska adopted amendments to the Criminal Code of Republika Srpska prohibiting the display and glorification of symbols of the NDH and the so-called Army of BiH, with prison sentences prescribed for violations; amendments to the Law on Cemeteries and Funeral Services will also make the display of such symbols in cemeteries punishable.