PRESS RELEASE

Support for Lazar Manojlovic

The Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses concern with the verbal attack against our member and activist, Mr Lazar Manojlovic, by the senior cleric of the Serb Orthodox Church, Mr Vasilije Kacavenda, the Episcope of the Zvornik and Tuzla regions. It is impermissible in civilized world for anyone to be threatened due to his/her public work and opinions, which do not have to be acceptable for everyone. Bishop Vasilije Kacavenda has the right to a different opinion and has the possibility to express his dissatisfaction through a democratic dialogue, but threats such as “You have been and will be punished by God” represent an invitation to lynch, as spiritual leaders in these areas are blindly obeyed by many. These sorts of threats, which have been publicly uttered, are threats that could call for a reaction of the prosecution service. Where from does Bishop Kacavenda get the right to threaten and announce punishment? That has certainly not come as an instruction from God.

It is particularly disgraceful and offensive for the Church the fact that Vasilije Kacavenda used a last farewell to a deceased person for the verbal attack against  Mr Lazar Manojlovic. It should rather be expected for such a senior cleric to provide guidance for believers, but also other citizens, by his personal example, to build trust among people, and find ways of understanding in cases of conflict, and appeal for tolerant dialogue. Instead of this, Bishop Kacavenda demonstrated arrogance, lack of culture, and force.

The Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses belief that relevant authorities will act as guarantors of personal safety and integrity of a fighter for human rights, Lazar Manojlovic.

Srđan Dizdarević
Chairman of the Helsinki Committee
in Bosnia and Herzegovina

No.: 01-04/2007
Sarajevo, 17 April 2007

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