The OSCE Mission to B&H Strongly Condemns The Violent Attack at the Film Festival ‘Merlinka’

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly condemns the violent attack which occurred on Saturday at the film festival “Merlinka” in Sarajevo. Any attempt to instil fear or incite violence,hatred or discrimination against individuals or groups based on their race, religious beliefs, political affiliation, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity has no place in contemporary BiH society.

Human rights in BiH are universal, indivisible and inalienable and crimes motivated by hate are particularly damaging and concerning. Freedom of expression and the right to lead a life free from fear of discrimination shall be guaranteed to all citizens.

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is supporting efforts to combat hate crimes in Bosnia and Herzegovina and welcomes the warnings and condemnations issued by some civil society groups surrounding the incident. Both civil society and government institutions have a role to play in combating, condemning and preventing hate crimes. The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is confident that the attack and perpetrators will be properly investigated by the authorities.

(Source: OSCE Mission to B&H)