ŽUPLJANIN: LEGAL AMENDMENTS TO COUNTER PROVOCATIONS AND SECURITY RISKS

BANJA LUKA, JULY 12 /SRNA/ – Punishing the display and glorification of symbols of the Independent State of Croatia /NDH/ and the so-called Army of BiH will prevent unwanted provocative behavior that could lead to tensions and incidents, while raising the level of security for all citizens in Republika Srpska, security expert Slobodan Župljanin told SRNA.

By adopting amendments to the Criminal Code, Župljanin said, Republika Srpska has created an adequate legal framework to protect its key values from what he described as a resurgence of Ustasha ideology and increasingly aggressive Islamism. He said that this alleged aggressive Islamism is reflected in the glorification of symbols and insignia of the so-called Army of BiH and its wartime flag, under which, he claimed, Serb civilians and soldiers were beheaded while chants of "Tekbir" and "Allahu Akbar" were heard. "Frequent provocations involving Ustasha symbols, war-inciting rhetoric and symbols of the so-called Army of BiH represent a serious challenge, a risk and a direct threat that creates interethnic and religious tensions, which can easily develop into serious security incidents", Župljanin warned. He said the amendments have created all legal conditions for preventive and punitive measures aimed at deterring and countering expressed threats. "Republika Srpska has every right to ensure public order and peace in this way, prevent the commission of crimes that could lead to serious interethnic tensions or conflicts and make Srpska stable and secure for all its citizens, as well as for people who live in it and those who visit it", Župljanin emphasized. He believes that effective implementation of the legislation will raise the level of security for all citizens and their property in Republika Srpska. He added that the Ministry of Interior and judicial institutions in Republika Srpska have significant capacities that guarantee successful implementation of the law. In addition, Župljanin said, the amendments would enable the effective exercise of authority by Republika Srpska throughout its territory in all areas of life and work. "These legal amendments are significant primarily from the perspective of protecting the national, cultural, and religious heritage of the Serb people in Republika Srpska and BiH, because there are blatant attacks taking place against key national, cultural and other traditional values that Serbs have created and preserved for centuries", Župljanin said. He added that Serbs had fought wars of liberation throughout history, which is why, he said, today's generations have a duty to preserve the national, cultural and religious heritage acquired through the sacrifices of previous generations. "Revisionist and repositioning processes are currently taking place around the world, and we are witnessing the obvious glorification of the dark forces of the past, Nazism, fascism and Ustasha ideology. Unfortunately, these processes have also significantly affected the Balkan region, including BiH", Župljanin pointed out. The National Assembly of Republika Srpska adopted amendments to the Criminal Code of Republika Srpska banning the display and glorification of symbols of the NDH and the so-called Army of BiH, with prison sentences prescribed for violations. Under adopted amendments to the Law on Cemeteries and Funeral Services, displaying these symbols in cemeteries will also be punishable.