The Association of Genocide Victims and Witnesses, the Movement Association “Mothers of the Srebrenica and Žepa Enclave”, the Association “Zene Podrinja”, the Association “Women of Srebrenica” and the Association “Mothers of Srebrenica” responded today to the statement of the brother of the murdered Amra Kahrimanović, Nedžad Kahrimanović, by which he was murdered compared his sisters to the genocide in Srebrenica.
“Regarding Mr. Kahrimanović’s statements at the protest in Tuzla, we want to clearly point out that we support the right of citizens to peacefully protest and present their demands. However, we also believe that it is important to avoid abusing a tragedy such as the genocide in Srebrenica for political purposes or for achieving personal goals”, stated from these associations.
The joint statement states that Kahrimanović’s statement about the manner in which the people of Srebrenica were killed causes serious concern.
“We wonder if Mr. Kahrimanović, unless he was present in Skorpioni, can really claim to know how the people of Srebrenica were killed. Such claims are insulting to the victims and their families, and we hope that Mr. Kahrimanović will consider the consequences of his words,” they said.
“If the goal of Mr. Kahrimanović is to gain media space or to highlight the importance of the fight for justice, we appeal to him to stop abusing the tragedy of the genocide in Srebrenica, but also the death of his own sister. There are other ways to highlight legitimate demands and the fight for justice without hurting feelings or manipulation of victims,” the statement reads.
“We support justice for Amra Kahrimanović and all other victims of violence, but we also call for respect for the basic principles of dignity and responsible public expression,” these associations stated.