The Republic of Srpska

The Republic of Srpska Minister of the Interior, Željko Budimir, participated today in the international conference dedicated to the fight against extremism, held at the Russian National Center in Moscow. The event was organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.

In his address to the participants of the Conference that gathered representatives from 40 countries, Minister Budimir emphasized that extremism—which often precedes acts of terrorism—remains one of the most serious threats to the safety of citizens, their lives, and property. He pointed out that, in the contemporary world, it poses a threat to both national and international security.

"Although global attention has gradually shifted toward other security threats, such as armed conflicts, this does not mean that the threat of extremism and terrorism has decreased. Unfortunately, the roots of radicalization and violent extremism, which lead to terrorism, have been present in Bosnia and Herzegovina since the middle of the previous century," Minister Budimir stated.

Referring to the specific challenges faced by the Republic of Srpska in countering extremism, he pointed out that radicalization in Bosnia and Herzegovina first emerged among members of the "El Mujahid" unit, who arrived in the country during the past war.

According to Budimir, their radical ideology has gradually spread to the local population, initially manifesting in extremist attitudes and eventually leading to the organisation of terrorist attacks.

"All terrorist attacks that have occurred in Bosnia and Herzegovina were committed by individuals connected with the Wahhabi movement, whose connections to major global terrorist incidents are well known. These attacks were ideologically motivated by religious radicalism and the belief that a 'Sharia-based state governed by Islamic law' should be established in Bosnia and Herzegovina by force. This ideology is reflected in their rejection of the Constitution, state laws, and law enforcement institutions," Minister Budimir noted.

He reiterated the importance of police cooperation, particularly the exchange of intelligence and joint actions aimed at countering extremism and preventing its consequences.

The two-day conference organised by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs is focused on discussions related to the practical extremist ideologies and improving legislative frameworks for international cooperation in countering extremism.