Bosniak Family's House Attacked in Gacko, Sparking Outrage

Shots were fired at the house of a Bosniak returnee family in the suburban settlement of Gračanica, near Gacko, Bosnia, sparking widespread condemnation across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The family, who lives in Mostar, was renovating the house with the intention of returning to it when the incident occurred.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and security concerns faced by returnee families in Bosnia and Herzegovina, threatening the country's fragile peace and reconciliation process. It also underscores the need for responsible political rhetoric and action to prevent such incidents from occurring and to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all citizens.

According to reports, the bullet went through the window glass and hit the wall. The family promptly reported the incident to the police. Despite the attack, the family maintains good relations with theirneighbors in Gacko.

Dževad Memic, a returnee to the village of Bahori, cautioned against creating drama for political gain, stating, "There is no need to create any drama here to buy political points, so those who lead the people are the ones who burn gasoline and our houses, not the poor who will maybe shoot at someone else's house because they have no brains like a sparrow."

Amir Saric, a returnee to the village of Stolac, expressed his belief that no serious or honest Serb from the municipality of Gacko was responsible for the attack. Meanwhile, Zaim Beriša, an advisor to the Federal Minister for Refugees and Displaced Persons, called on politicians from the Republika Srpska entity to be more responsible in their statements, as their irresponsible remarks have been reflected in acts against returnees throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ognjen Milinković, the Mayor of Gacko Municipality, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a heinous act of vandalism and cowardice. He invited the public to visit Gacko and witness firsthand the cooperation between Serbs and Bosniaks and how the municipality serves as an example of successful coexistence.

In response to the incident, representatives of the Federal Government and local authorities visited the house of the targeted returnee family. Federal Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić sent a letter to the President and Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, urging them to take all necessary measures to demonstrate that every citizen has a place in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The attack on the Bosniak family's house has deeply disturbed returnees and the entire public in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is seen as a humiliating act that should not be tolerated. The incident underscores the need for responsible statements from politicians to prevent such acts from occurring in the future and to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all citizens, regardless of theirethnicity or placeof residence.

Key Takeaways

• Shots fired at Bosniak returnee family's house in Gračanica, Bosnia, sparking widespread condemnation.
• Family was renovating house to return to it, highlighting ongoing tensions and security concerns.
• Incident underscores need for responsible political rhetoric to prevent similar incidents.
• Local authorities and government representatives condemn attack, call for inclusive environment.
• Incident disturbs returnees and public, highlighting need for safe and inclusive environment.