RAMO ISAK "NOT AWARE" OF ATTACKS AND HARASSMENT OF SERB RETURNEES

SARAJEVO, APRIL 22 /SRNA/ – Federation of BiH Interior Minister Ramo Isak told SRNA he was not aware of the break-in at the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God in the village of Trubar near Drvar, which has alarmed Serb returnees, nor of burglaries in several households, despite the incidents having been reported to the police.

Although media in recent days have reported on the incident, in which a Serbian Orthodox church and Serb returnees were once again targeted, Isak said he "had not heard of the attack" that took place last week in the Federation, where he serves as interior minister, adding that "it is not his job".

"Believe me, to be completely honest, I am not familiar with it, but thanks to you I will now seek information", Isak said.

While the line minister in the Federation is not familiar with such a sensitive issue concerning citizens' security, authorities at the BiH level have been informed, as Minister for Human Rights and Refugees in the Council of Ministers Sevlid Hurtić has already announced a visit to the Serb returnee village of Trubar.

Isak also expressed the view that "the security of returnees is not under the jurisdiction of all levels of government".

"I have the director of the Federation Police Administration /FPA/, so I am relieved of that responsibility. It is the job of the FPA director to coordinate and do everything in accordance with legal regulations and in coordination with cantonal interior ministries and the competent prosecutor's offices", Isak said.

Migrants returned from the Croatian border broke into the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God in Trubar and also broke into and looted several households. Around twenty Serb returnees live in the village, and due to these events they spent the Easter holidays in fear and uncertainty.