SRPSKA MoI CONFIRMS PREVENTION OF ANY PROVOCATIONS THROUGH SWIFT AND EFFICIENT OPERATION

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, OCTOBER 22 /SRNA/ – By swiftly arresting a Sarajevo resident suspected of writing an offensive inscription on a mural featuring the flag of Republika Srpska in Istočno Novo Sarajevo, the Republika Srpska Ministry of Interior has sent a clear message that it will prevent any potential provocations in the area under its operational jurisdiction, the Sarajevo-Romanija Region War Veterans Organisations Committee stated.

The War Veterans Organisations Committee expressed hope that such incidents and provocations would not recur, adding that the Ministry’s operation would discourage anyone seeking to disturb the public and spread ethnic, religious or any other form of hatred and division for the sake of minor personal or political interests.

The Committee expressed its full support for MoI members and gratitude for their swift and efficient operation.

"We believe that this timely operation by police officers is of great importance, as the perpetrator of this heinous act was identified within a short period of time, sending a clear message that the Republika Srpska Ministry of Interior has the determination, knowledge and capacity to prevent any potential provocations and wrongdoing in the area under its operational jurisdiction," the statement stressed.

"We are confident that the Republika Srpska police will respond successfully and professionally to all similar situations, and we therefore stand ready to provide them with any kind of assistance," representatives of the Sarajevo-Romanija Region War Veterans Organisations Committee stated.

On Tuesday, October 20, an offensive inscription reading "genocidal" appeared on a mural depicting the Serb tricolour in Istočno Novo Sarajevo. The following day, a Sarajevo resident identified as N.K. was arrested on suspicion of writing it.

The Istočno Sarajevo Police Administration has confirmed this morning that the man identified as N.K. had been released after being interrogated.