PRESS RELEASE, April 30, 2024

CIVIL strongly condemns the ongoing propagation of ethnic hatred and violence by hooligan groups over the years.

The latest incident that has triggered CIVIL’s public reaction is the brutal assault on two boys from the Singelić neighborhood (Cento) by the “Komiti” hooligan group. Notably, nine days prior to this attack, the Cento Komiti group publicly declared, “Cento is ready, and waiting for the signal to attack!”

This raises the critical question: who, and for what reasons, endorsed this violent act during the election campaign? It is glaringly evident that violence and hatred along ethnic and religious lines represent the most expedient and cost-effective investments in the political careers of certain figures. Radical elements within the country continue to propagate hate based on ethnic, religious, and political divisions unchecked and with impunity.

Institutions must urgently, decisively, and conclusively address and penalize all groups and individuals inciting hatred and advocating violence. CIVIL has consistently emphasized this demand over the years, irrespective of the origin of hate speech and violent acts.

A society where certain groups continuously incite and perpetrate violence against citizens cannot be considered healthy. The persistent calls for extreme violence by certain groups are a direct result of the prevailing culture of impunity, which must cease immediately, and all those involved, from instigators to perpetrators, must face sanctions!

CIVIL stands for a society where freedom, equality, and justice prevail—a society in which citizens feel secure and trust in institutions, with security, freedom of movement, and freedom of expression guaranteed by law and upheld through the effective functioning of the system.

CIVIL