PUBLIC STATEMENT
Incident in Zepce

The Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina most strongly condemns the armed attack upon the group of citizens in Zepce the consequence of which is that Faruk Hrustic and four more people were wounded.
Personal and property insecurity characterize the situation in Zepce which remained out of the process of establishment of the BH Federation. Such situation directly affects the members of Bosniak people and seriously puts into question the return of refugees and expelled persons. The last act of violence presents also the pressure over political opponents and endangers the right to political organizing and acting, since the victims were members of one opposition political party.
In a year which has been proclaimed the year of return and which is the year of elections, incident in Zepce presents a serious violation of human rights and freedoms.
The Helsinki Committee, first of all, appeals on the officials of the municipality of Zepce to take their part of responsibility in regard to the normalization of the situation and establishment of conditions for normal and safe life of all inhabitants living in Zepce. We also appeal on the OSCE, Office of the High Representative, UNHCR and IPTF to undertake all, pursuant to the obligations taken over from the Dayton Peace Accord, to prevent such forms of violence and discrimination from appearing in Zepce.
 

Sarajevo, April 14, 1998
No. 09-04A/98