Bosnia: Intense concern over frequent desecrations of Orthodox cemeteriestranslated

The Interfaith Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly condemns the vandalism of the Orthodox cemetery in the village of Vucinici near Kladani, where tombstones were destroyed and damaged. Of particular concern is the fact that this is not an isolated incident. According to the priest in charge, the desecration of Orthodox cemeteries in the Kladani area has been repeated for years and the perpetrators of the previous attacks have not been identified.

"The desecration of cemeteries represents a deep disrespect for the deceased, their families and the religious community to which they belong," the Interfaith Council said.

"Such actions further disturb the faithful and undermine the trust necessary to build peace and coexistence in Bosnia-Herzegovina. We call on the relevant police and judicial authorities to take all necessary measures to identify and prosecute the perpetrators, as well as to shed light on previous cases of desecration of cemeteries in this region. Every cemetery, regardless of the religious or ethnic origin of those who rest there, must to be a place of peace,…