The parade on Krajina Square was attended by special forces, police, veterans and about 2,000 people. people from about 30 civic organizations from Republika Srpska and neighboring Serbia. Former RS president Milorad Dodik appeared on stage with Rod Blagojevich, former governor of the US state of Illinois, of Serb origin – noted the Balkan editorial office of Radio Free Europe.
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What event took place in Banja Luka?
Who was present at the Republika Srpska Day celebration?
Why is Republika Srpska Day considered illegal?
Has anyone been punished for organizing the Republika Srpska Day celebration?
Local media drew attention to the fact that, unlike previous years, the Russian ambassador to BiH, Igor Kalabukhov, did not appear on the main stage. Members of the Russian motorcycle group Night Wolves, known for supporting the Kremlin, also participated in the parade.
During the parade, among others, were presented: Ansat helicopters, which RS bought from Russia, as well as Despot and Wihor armored vehicles.
Celebrated only in the territory of the RS, the holiday refers to January 9, 1992, when the then political leaders of the Bosnian Serbs announced the establishment of Republika Srpska. The decision was one of the stages leading to the war, which in 1992-1995 cost the lives of over 100,000 people. people.
The Constitutional Court of BiH twice – in 2015 and 2019 – found them unconstitutional and banned the celebrations. The court found that it did not represent all ethnic groups living in Republika Srpska and therefore violated the principle of non-discrimination. He added that the problem is not the holiday itself, but the date of its celebration.
According to the amendments to the BiH Penal Code introduced in 2023, penalties are provided for non-compliance with the judgments of the Constitutional Court. So far, however, no one has been punished for the annual celebration of Republika Srpska Day.
