The President of SDA, Bakir Izetbegovic, addressed the public after the arrest of 13 people in Novi Pazar, including one student, which followed recent incidents in front of the State University in this city.
In his post on social media, Izetbegovic issued serious warnings to the authorities of Serbia and directly called out President Aleksandar Vucic.
“The attempt by Aleksandar Vucic‘s regime to use the problems it has with the rebellion of citizens across Serbia to carry out repression against the Bosniaks of Sandzak and turn it into interethnic conflict is a dangerous walk on the edge that could have unforeseeable consequences for the entire region,” said Izetbegovic.
He pointed out that media under government control are flooded with hate speech toward Bosniaks.
“Serbian media under government control are flooded with attacks on Bosniaks, following the propaganda template we witnessed in the 1990s. Serbian officials insult Muslims and Islam, with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, Ana Brnabic, one of Vucic‘s closest associates, leading the way in recent days.”
Izetbegovic emphasized that such an approach leads in the wrong direction:
“Such an approach cannot bring any good to anyone. Nor can the approach of trying to establish domination and realize expansionist political goals.”
He called on the authorities of Serbia to de-escalate the situation and change their attitude toward Bosniaks and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
“That is why I call on the Serbian authorities to de-escalate the situation in Novi Pazar, but also to generally change their attitude toward Bosniaks and BiH. Peace and stability that bring progress can only be built on truth, equal relations, and mutual respect between our states and peoples.”
He also stated that the Bosniaks from Sandzak are an inseparable part of the Bosniak people:
“Our brothers from Sandzak are an inseparable part of the Bosniak people, and we will always stand by them.”
Izetbegovic concluded by praising the people of Sandzak:
“I congratulate the Bosniaks of Sandzak on their determination and perseverance in defending their own freedom, dignity, and national rights. I salute the mature and measured responses of Bosniak institutions in Sandzak, especially the Bosniak National Council and the Meshihat of the Islamic Community of Sandzak. I hope that reason will also prevail with the Serbian authorities.”
