PUNISHING PROMOTION OF USTASHA SYMBOLS - FIRST STEP IN COMBATING HISTORICAL REVISIONISM

BELGRADE, JULY 11 /SRNA/ - President of the Movement of Serbs from Krajina, Mile Bosnić, told SRNA that the adoption of amendments to the Criminal Code of Republika Srpska, introducing prison sentences for displaying and glorifying the symbols of the NDH and the so-called Army of BiH, is an exceptionally good move and the first step in confronting the widespread historical revisionism that has taken hold.

Bosnić believes that it is high time to put things in order and, as he said, put an end to the arrogance of those who, by displaying symbols under which horrific crimes against Serbs were committed, humiliate the victims and their descendants.

"It is unacceptable for Ustasha symbols to appear in public, including in cemeteries. The same applies to the flags of the so-called Army of BiH, whose members committed numerous crimes against Serbs. This is pure insolence and deeply offensive. That is why the legal amendments are good, but they must be enforced," Bosnić said.

Bosnić pointed out that what Bosniaks are doing is unacceptable – they are marching in what is called a peace march while carrying flags under which criminals cut off Serbs' heads and played football with them.

"The law is what it should be, but it must be enforced. That is the key point," Bosnić stressed.

He assessed that the amendments to the Criminal Code in Republika Srpska are important also because they help curb historical revisionism and the relativisation of Ustasha crimes, as well as other atrocities committed against Serbs.

"This is the first serious step in that direction. An end must be put to this, and this has now been clearly stated at the level of the law as well. The symbols of a genocidal Ustasha state, which committed crimes that horrified people around the world, cannot be displayed or glorified. That must be clear to everyone," Bosnić stressed.

The National Assembly of Republika Srpska adopted the Law on Amendments to the Criminal Code of Republika Srpska, which bans the displaying and glorification of the symbols of the NDH and the so-called Army of BiH, and prescribes prison sentences for such acts.

Amendments to the Law on Cemeteries and Funeral Services were also adopted, introducing penalties for displaying these symbols in cemeteries.