Under the leadership of Metropolitan Photios, the Holy Metropolis of Zvornik and Tuzla expresses deep concern and strong condemnation of the recent threats against Orthodox Serbs in Tuzla.
The threats were issued by the same individual who desecrated the Holy Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Tuzla only a few months ago. The threats include demands to remove the Holy Cross and calls to “Islamize” the Serbian clergy and faithful.
These incidents, along with recent attacks on priests’ homes in the city, are not mere acts of vandalism. They pose a serious threat to the safety of the clergy and faithful, the protection of fundamental religious and human rights, and the peace and stability of society.
Metropolitan Photios emphasizes that the Orthodox Church and her faithful are committed to the principles of peace, love, and mutual respect. He calls upon state authorities, other religious communities, and society as a whole to unite against radicalism, hatred, and violence.
In particular, the Metropolitan notes:
“According to Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, every person has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.” Furthermore, Article 2 of the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina stipulates that the rights and freedoms enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights and its protocols are directly applicable in Bosnia and Herzegovina and take precedence over all other laws.”
Additionally, Article 3 of the Constitution explicitly protects the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and belief.
Both the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Criminal Code of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina define the incitement or instigation of national, racial, or religious hatred, discord, or intolerance among the constituent peoples and others as criminal offenses.
We respond with deep concern and strong condemnation to the threats made yesterday against the Orthodox Serbs of Tuzla in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by an individual who, only a few months ago, desecrated the Holy Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Tuzla. This same individual has a demonstrated tendency toward violent acts and has once again threatened to remove the cross, calling for the “Islamization” of the Serbian clergy and faithful. This has caused additional distress within our small community.
These threats are not isolated incidents, but part of an ongoing pattern of attacks against the Orthodox community in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Recently, attacks on priests’ homes in the same city have intensified, including breaking the windows of a house where one of our priests lives. These assaults are not merely acts of vandalism; they pose a serious threat to the safety of priests and their families, disrupting the peace and security of our community.
These incidents clearly demonstrate the growing danger of radicalization and the spread of hate speech in our society. Attacks on religious symbols and the homes of clergy target not only individuals but also fundamental human and religious rights. These threats and acts of violence gravely undermine peace and stability, requiring an immediate and decisive response.
We call upon the relevant authorities to promptly take all necessary measures to prosecute this individual and anyone else who incites violence. We cannot allow individuals to endanger the safety of others—whether clergy, churches, or the faithful themselves—for whatever reason.
We also urge all other religious communities to publicly condemn these radical and extremist acts. Attacks on religious symbols, hate speech, and calls for violent extremism do not affect only one religious community; they threaten us all. During these times, it is of vital importance for the preservation of peace and stability in our society that all religious communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of identity, show solidarity and unity.
We urge all institutions, the media, and citizens to denounce all forms of radicalism, hate speech, and vandalism and to unite against any attempt to undermine peace and mutual respect. No radical act that seeks to forcefully change the identity or faith of others can ever be justified under any circumstances.
The Serbian Orthodox Church and her faithful are firmly committed to the principles of peace, love, and respect for the human rights of all peoples and nationalities. However, we will not allow any individual or ideology to endanger our faith, cultural identity, or the safety of our clergy and faithful.
We will not give up the fight for peace, nor our right to freedom of religion and a life free from threats and violence. Therefore, we call for an immediate and decisive response from all relevant authorities and institutions to protect the safety of all people and restore trust in justice and equality in our society.
“Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
† Metropolitan Photios of Zvornik and Tuzla
