BiH: Fascist symbols and Ustasha salute on monument in Mostar, mayor condemns

The mayor of Mostar, a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Mario Kordić, today condemned "the painting of inappropriate and offensive graffiti" on the monument to the fighters of the National Liberation War (NOR) and civilian victims of World War II in the Mostar neighborhood of Baćevići.

Fascist symbols and the Ustasha salute "Ready for the homeland!" are drawn on the monument, reports Radio Free Europe.

Kordić, in a press release, said that this was "an act that does not contribute to social dialogue, peace, or mutual respect."

"Such actions disrupt public space and send the wrong messages, especially to younger generations. Mostar is a city that strives for stability, coexistence and mutual respect, and it is important that we all contribute together to preserving these values," said Kordić.

The Mayor of Mostar called on the competent institutions to conduct an investigation, identify and legally punish the perpetrators, and appealed to citizens to preserve the monument.

He also emphasized that the City of Mostar "remains committed to building an environment in which diversity is accepted," and mutual respect is the foundation of living together.

The Criminal Code of BiH does not explicitly prohibit the glorification of fascist, Nazi and similar movements from the time of World War II.

There have been several attempts to ban them over the past decade, but the proposals have not received the necessary support.

However, "inciting national, racial and religious hatred, discord and intolerance" is recognized by both the Criminal Code of BiH, under which the Court of BiH judges, and two entity laws in the Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska, under which lower-level courts judge.