METROPOLITAN FOTIJE CONDEMNS THREATS AGAINST SERBS IN FBiH AND DESECRATION OF CATHEDRAL CHURCH

BIJELJINA, OCTOBER 1 /SRNA/ – His Eminence Metropolitan Fotije of the Zvornik - Tuzla Diocese reacted today to the threats against Orthodox Serbs in the Federation of BiH and the desecration of the Cathedral Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God in Tuzla, warning that this is not an isolated incident, but part of a continuous process of attacks against the Orthodox community in the Federation.

The metropolitan stated that new threats involving the removal of the cross and calls for the Islamization of Serb clergy and people have further disturbed the already small Serb community.

"With deep concern and strong condemnation, we react to the threats made yesterday against Orthodox Serbs in Tuzla, FBiH, by an individual who already committed an act of desecration against the Cathedral Church of the Dormition a few months ago. This person, who has demonstrated a tendency toward violent behavior, has again made threats by removing the cross and calling for the Islamization of the Serb clergy and people, which has deeply disturbed our small community," Metropolitan Fotije cited in a statement.

According to the metropolitan, there has been an increase in recent attacks on the priests’ homes in Tuzla, including recent incidents where windows were broken in the residence of a priest.

"These attacks are not just acts of vandalism, but pose a serious threat to the safety of priests and their families, more broadly, to peace and security in our community," said Metropolitan Fotije.

He emphasized that such incidents point to a growing risk of radicalization and hate speech spreading through society.

"Attacks on religious symbols and the homes of clergy are not only attacks on individuals but on basic human and religious rights. These threats and violent acts seriously endanger peace and stability and demand a swift and decisive response," the metropolitan warned.

Metropolitan called on the relevant authorities to take immediate action to prosecute this individual and any others involved in encouraging such violence.

"We cannot allow individuals, for whatever reason, to endanger the safety of others, whether they are religious officials, places of worship, or believers," stressed Metropolitan Fotije.

Metropolitan also called on other religious communities to publicly condemn such radical and extremist acts.

"Attacks on religious symbols, hate speech, and calls for violent radicalization are not just a problem for one religious group, but are a serious threat to us all. In such moments, solidarity and unity among all religious communities in BiH, regardless of affiliation, are of key importance for preserving peace and stability in our society," reads the statement.

A call was also made to all institutions, media outlets, and residents to condemn all forms of radicalism, hate speech and vandalism, and to resist any attempts to destabilize peace and mutual respect, assessing that no radical actions that call for the violent conversion of identity and religion can ever be justified under any circumstances.

"The Serbian Orthodox Church and its faithful remain firmly committed to the principles of peace, love, and respect for human rights for all individuals and peoples, but we will not allow anyone or any ideology to threaten their religious and cultural identity, or the safety of their clergy and believers," the metropolitan emphasized.

Calling for urgent and decisive reaction from all competent bodies and institutions in order to protect the safety of all people and to restore faith in justice and equality in society, the metropolitan is pointing out that the fight for preserving peace will not be given up, just as for the right to freedom of religion and a life without threats and acts of violence.

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

This quote concludes the statement by Metropolitan Fotije.

The statement notes that Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms stipulates that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, while Article 2 of the Constitution of BiH stipulates that the rights and freedoms outlined in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and its Protocols are directly applicable in BiH.

These legal acts take precedence over all other laws, while Article 3 of the Constitution of BiH guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

The Criminal Code of BiH, as well as the Criminal Code of the FBiH, define as a criminal offense the incitement or spread of national, racial, or religious hatred, discord, or intolerance among the constituent peoples and others.