Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in their press release today, express their shock and deepest concern about the killing of human rights activist, Dusko Kondor (right). They also adressed their concerns on some other cases of human rights defenders under threat and failure of authorities to protect them and their families. (27-FEB-07)

This article is based on the Helsinki Committee press release, which has republicated here by HRH / Mirsad Pandzic.

The cruel murder of Dusko Kondor, a human rights activist, has once again put on the agenda the status of human rights defenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After a period when these actors of civil society were targets of the bearers of power, when they were abused, threatened and prevented from doing their jobs, we have now entered into a phase when police, judicial and frequently political authorities are not doing anything to protect personal safety and integrity of human rights defenders and members of their families.

Human rights defenders under threats
The police was informed about threats against Dusko Kondor, but failed to confiscate automatic weapons from the person that would become the murderer of Dusko Kondor. At the same time, the competent bodies did not ensure the execution of a legally binding prison sentence for the person in question.

Recently, another prominent activist, Mladen Mimic from Milici, was a victim of attempted murder by those who did not like Mimic’s relentless fight for human rights. The perpetrators of this evil act are still at large and have not been brought to justice.

An activist from Jajce, Eduard Sklenar, was practically forced to seek asylum outside Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to protect his life after countless threats, planting of explosives in front of his house and persistent inaction of police. This incomplete list of human rights defenders under threat confirms the fact that the authorities have been ignoring the obligation to guarantee personal safety to every citizen staying in this country, under international conventions, including the UN Declaration on Rights and Duties of Individuals, Groups and Social Bodies regarding promotion and protection of universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Action
The proper response after the tragedy of Dusko Kondor and his family would be to take over responsibility and bear consequences for this event, including resignations and acceptance of other moral and legal consequences. However, in this country, where there is no rule of law and where the personalities in power, with all due respect for exceptions, are totally free of moral scruples, this expectation seems like utopia. However, surely the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina and all others defending human rights and freedoms, have the right to request full disclosure of the murder of Dusko Kondor and exemplary punishment of his murderer, as well as serious measures in order for similar things not to be repeated ever again in Bosnia and Herzegovina.