The 32nd anniversary of the exchange of 294 inmates of Croatian nationality from the Stadion camp in Bugojno was marked. So far, eight people have been sentenced for the crimes committed against the Croats of Bugojno, while the proceedings against Dževad Mlaća and Selma Cikotić are ongoing before the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This year, the commemoration began with the laying of 21 roses for 21 taken away inmates. According to the representatives of the association, they are still looking for the remains of the 15 abducted.
The President of the Croatian Association of Homeland War Prisoners in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Miroslav Zelić, recalled the extent of the suffering.
“About 2,500 Croats went through the camps, 550 of them went through the Stadion camp, and 294 inmates spent a full eight months in that infamous camp,” Zelić said.
The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, Gordan Grlić Radman, emphasized the importance of a culture of memory, but also of dialogue.
“We are celebrating this sad anniversary, but with a happy ending because all prisoners – camp inmates have been released. It is necessary to nurture the culture of memory, but also the culture of dialogue,” said Grlić Radman.
Testimonies of survivors
There is no coexistence without dialogue, peace and tolerance. Those who were exchanged on this day say that, despite everything they have been through, they want to look to the future, but also that they will always remember this date.
President of the Croatian Association of Homeland War Prisoners Bugojno Marijo Mostarac emphasized the importance of peace.
“For peace in the world and for no one to go through what we went through here in Bugojno. Today there are wars on all sides and that’s why it’s important for there to be peace, tolerance and for us to stand by each other,” said the Mostar resident.
Expectations of justice
The President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Lidija Bradara (HDZBiH) said that justice is expected for the crimes committed, but also that it is important to send messages of peace.
“We believe that the judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina will finally punish the perpetrators of this serious crime in Bugojno, but we also send a message of peace and faith in the future of this country and the Croatian people in it,” said Bradara.
Those gathered at the Sultanovići cemetery once again appealed to anyone with information about the remains of the fifteen deported camp inmates to help, so that their families can finally bury their loved ones with dignity.
