ATTACKS ON RELIGIOUS SITES IN KAKANJ AND TUZLA - AN ASSAULT ON THE FUNDAMENTAL VALUES OF SOCIETY

SARAJEVO, JULY 30 /SRNA/ - The Inter-Religious Council of BiH condemned the vandal attacks on the chapel in the Serbian Orthodox cemetery in Kakanj and the Cathedral Church of the Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God in Tuzla, stating that these acts represent not only an attack on religious sites and sacred objects, but also on the fundamental values of society – mutual respect, tolerance, and coexistence.

The Council stated that such attacks sow fear, erode trust among communities, and pose a threat to social cohesion. The Council called on the relevant institutions to immediately conduct a thorough investigation, identify and prosecute those responsible, and ensure the security of all religious sites and communities in BiH. "We call on religious communities, citizens, and the media to continue building a society in which diversity is not seen as a threat, but as a richness that unites and enriches us. We believe that peace is both achievable and sustainable — but only if we nurture it every day, through words, actions, and solidarity," the statement said. On July 18, the Cathedral Church of the Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God in Tuzla was desecrated. The perpetrators damaged the shrine of Blessed Matrona of Moscow, broke into the church shop, and stole voluntary donations. There was also a recent attack on the chapel in the Serbian Orthodox cemetery in Karaula near Kakanj. In the same municipality, chapels in Krsti in Mošćanica and in Viduša above Bilješevo were broken into, the chapel in Plandište was stoned, and the cemetery in the village of Danci was desecrated as well.