Brcko Supervisor on the Explosion Incident at the Home of the District Government Offical

Brcko Supervisor Henry L. Clarke today during the regular OHR Brcko press conference condemned the violent act of the so far unknown perpetrators who used explosive device against the house of the Brcko District Head of Department of Urbanism:

“Monday night there was an explosion at the home of Ismet Dedeic, Head of the Department of Urbanism of the Brcko District Government.  Fortunately, no one was hurt.  But it was a serious crime, nonetheless, punishable under several different laws with prison terms of several years.   No civilized society permits this kind of violence against anyone.  I am asking the police to give high priority to their investigation.” 

“On July 27 a hand grenade was left at the home of the father of Ivan Krndelj, Deputy Mayor of Brcko District.  This dangerous act was also no accident.  It was seen at the time as a threat against the family of Mr. Krndelj.  Just as violence is intolerable, the threat of violence is intolerable in a civilized society, and is punishable by law.” 

“For months I have heard about alleged threats of violence against officials, businessmen, and even police officers acting in accordance with the law.  Fortunately, these threats have not been carried out.  Unfortunately, too many honest residents of the District have failed to report them – who made the threat, when and how – to the police.  Perhaps they felt the threats, if delivered privately, were too difficult to prove.  But when there is a pattern of threats, police work can be very effective. “

“Everyone who has received such threats should report them.  We have multiethnic law enforcement in Brcko, and these agencies – the police, the prosecutors – need our support and trust just as much as we need their protection.  Crime, especially organized crime, works best in a climate of fear.  Together, we can remove violence, extortion, and intimidation from Brcko District, but we must use the instruments of the law to do that.”