prijava
SARAJEVO, July 26 (FENA) - Professor of philosophy and studies of the Holocaust and genocide at the State University of Southern Connecticut, David Pettigrew, expressed gratitude to the High Representative Valentin Inzko, on behalf of a group of Bosnians and Herzegovinians and Americans of BiH origin called "Working Group for BiH" on the historic decision to make amendments to the BiH Criminal Code sanctioning genocide denial and glorification of convicted war criminals.
In a letter to Inzko, which was also delivered to FENA, Pettigrew stated that this decision of the High Representative was the result of the inevitable conclusion that the glorification of war criminals had escalated, the final and binding judgments of international courts had been challenged, and that the matter needed to be regulated.
"Our working group for BiH welcomes your decision to amend the BiH Criminal Code to punish the denial of genocide and other war crimes, as well as the glorification of convicted war criminals. Your decision will be a necessary step towards restorative justice and reconciliation, as it will provide concrete action to prevent a recurrence of crime and protect survivors from re-traumatization caused by the horrific practice of denial and glorification," Professor Pettigrew points out.
He is grateful that, in terms of making this decision, protecting survivors from further psychological trauma was one of the priorities. He believes that the amendments to the Criminal Code have been improved compared to previous drafts in terms of specifying examples of glorification of convicted war criminals that would be prohibited.
"We have previously suggested that 'it will take more than the law', and that is why we have also proposed the establishment of a civic commission, including representatives from the diaspora, to facilitate public debate and awareness. Such a commission would support the law and make a crucial contribution to transforming the culture of remembrance. If you or your successor want to discuss this idea, we are ready to help in any way," Pettigrew said in the letter.
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