OSCE condemns incidents of 9 January

SARAJEVO, 13 January 2026 - The OSCE Mission to BiH (Mission) strongly condemns incidents that occurred on 9 January 2026, including the glorification of convicted war criminals and the desecration of the insignia of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to potentially constituting criminal offenses, such actions are deeply offensive to the victims of past atrocities, undermine reconciliation and contravene the fundamental values of peace, justice and respect upon which a democratic society must stand. 

The Mission regrets that critical political actors and others in positions of leadership failed to deter these actions and have, thus far, neither distanced themselves nor responded adequately to these incidents. Failure to react decisively risks creating an atmosphere of impunity and sends a troubling signal that such actions may be tolerated.

The Mission further calls on justice sector institutions to conduct necessary procedures efficiently, thoroughly and without delay. In this regard, the Mission notes positive developments in some jurisdictions, where investigations now underway should be completed as a matter of priority.