Several containers intended for security checks of migrants, in which they can be kept for a maximum of 72 hours, were built in the Lipa reception camp.
These are not detention units, claim the representatives of the European Union (EU) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), but temporary accommodations. That’s how Johann Sattler, head of the Delegation of the EU in BiH, described them. He discussed it with representatives of the authorities in Bihac on Thursday, April 13th.
Despite this promise, representatives of the City of Bihac say they fear that these containers will be converted into prison units.
What is happening inside the camp?
Over 700 migrants arrived in the Lipa camp in the past three weeks.
Migrants were deported from Croatia to BiH on the basis of an agreement signed by the two countries six years ago. The agreement includes the acceptance and return of persons who crossed the border illegally.
What information do they have in Bihac?
Elvedin Sedic, the mayor of Bihac, says that in the readmission process, it was established that one migrant is on the Europol Red ist. This was discussed at the meeting he had with the EU delegation in BiH on April 13th.
“I think that in this readmission procedure for these 550 migrants, it was determined that one person is on the Interpol Red List,” says Sedic, adding that this person will be transferred to the detention unit in Sarajevo.
He adds that, when the detection center is operational, migrants who are proven to have committed a specific criminal offense will be accommodated there.
Moreover, Sedic stated that they received a promise from the representative of the EU that there is no intention that the isolation units within the Lipa camp will turn into prison units.
“We were promised that Lipa would not become a haven for criminals and terrorists,” Sedic added, Slobodna Evropa reports.
E.Dz.
