The Government of Republika Srpska (RS) on Thursday adopted a draft law amending the entity’s Criminal Code, introducing two new criminal offenses: the public promotion and glorification of the Ustaše movement and the ideology of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH), and the public display and promotion of the flags and symbols of the wartime Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Army of RBiH).
The proposed amendments follow the adoption of the Resolution on the Condemnation and Prohibition of the Promotion and Glorification of the Ideology and Symbols of the NDH, as well as Ustaše, Nazi, and Fascist ideologies and symbols.
“With the aim of protecting society and preventing the spread of ideologies that promote hatred and intolerance in the public sphere, this legislative solution criminalizes the promotion and glorification of the ideology and symbols of the NDH, as well as Ustaše, Nazi, and Fascist ideologies and symbols, while prescribing appropriate sanctions and penalties,” the Republika Srpska Government said in a statement published on its website.
Under the proposed offense of “Public Promotion and Glorification of the Ustaše Movement and the Ustaše Ideology of the NDH,” offenders could face a prison sentence of up to three years.
The same penalty would also apply to anyone who publicly displays, exhibits, wears, produces, reproduces, or otherwise distributes symbols, insignia, flags, salutes, slogans, or other content promoting or glorifying the Ustaše movement or the ideology of the NDH.
The draft legislation further stipulates that if the offense results in riots, violence, public disturbance, or other serious consequences affecting peaceful coexistence among the peoples and other residents of Republika Srpska, the perpetrator could face a prison sentence of between two and five years. The same penalty would apply to organizers or individuals who finance or otherwise facilitate the commission of the offense.
Identical prison sentences are also proposed for the new criminal offense titled “Public Display and Promotion of the Flags and Symbols of the so-called Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Following the adoption of the Resolution condemning and banning the promotion and glorification of the ideology and symbols of the NDH and Ustaše, Nazi, and Fascist ideologies, the National Assembly of Republika Srpska also instructed the government to prepare, within 60 days, amendments to the Law on Cemeteries and Funeral Services. The proposed changes would regulate the removal of monuments and symbols that promote or glorify the ideology of the NDH and Ustaše, Nazi, and Fascist ideologies, and which are deemed to offend the religious, moral, and national sentiments of the Serbian people.
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Source: Danas; Foto: Printscreen YouTube / Index Video