 |
Suspect Arrested in Haris Silajdzic Assault
22 Arrests so far in June 15th attack on former
Mujo Beganovic confessed that he hit Silajdzic on the head with a wooden stick on June 15 in the northwest town of Cazin, Sarajevo radio quoted the police as saying. Silajdzic, a popular opposition leader who heads the "Party of Bosnia-Herzegovina," was treated for head injuries after the attack.
The interior ministry said three other suspects had been arrested and charged with trying to destroy Silajdzic's car at the same rally. Another 18 people suspected of being involved in the incident have been arrested so far, the radio reported.
Silajdzic, who has criticised the ruling Muslim SDA party for pursuing what he calls nationalist policies, spoke in Sarajevo on Friday for the first time since the incident. Fellow opposition politicians say the ruling SDA party orchestrated the attack on Silajdzic. Bosnian authorities have denied the accusation.
The interior minister for the Muslim-Croat federation, Avdo Hebib, alleged this week that the attack on Silajdzic had been in part provoked by comments made earlier in the day at a rally in nearby Bihac. Hebib, quoted by state radio, alleged that a supporter of Silajdzic had verbally "abused" the Islamic religion and Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovic.
At a party gathering in Sarajevo on Friday evening, Silajdzic said he would fight against efforts to divide Bosnia along ethnic or religious lines.
"Tendencies toward partition in Bosnia are more and more evident," Silajdzic said. "The time has come to prevent those attempts."
International officials overseeing elections in September say Serb, Muslim and Croat nationalist authorities intent on holding on to power have been obstructing free speech and free assembly, jeopardising chances for a fair vote.
|
SARAJEVO, June 21 (Reuters) - Bosnian authorities said on Friday police arrested a man suspected of attacking former prime minister Haris Silajdzic at a political rally, state radio reported.
Berserkistan, June 17 · Bildt Condems Attack on Candidate Silajdzic
Berserkistan, June 17 · Bildt Condems Attack on Candidate Silajdzic
Berserkistan is a world news service of Michael Linder Productions, Inc.
©1995-1996, All Rights Reserved