Under the common slogans “Zenica Rises” and “Sarajevo Rises,” protests were held today in these Bosnian cities. The organizers emphasized that their shared goal is to establish healthy and functional institutions that operate fairly and protect citizens.
The gathering and peaceful march in Zenica were organized by the citizen group “Zenica ustaje (Zenica Rises),” while in Sarajevo, the protest was organized by the informal student group “Hoće’l ta promjena? (Will That Change Happen?)”.
Citizens in Zenica took to the streets due to high prices, and one of their demands is a review and reduction of prices, especially considering the overall economic situation they are in.
In Sarajevo, near Sebilj in Baščaršija, there were also many citizens, not only students but also older residents. In the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the message was somewhat different from that in Zenica, as the protests were held in response to the tragedy in Donja Jablanica and other areas affected by floods, which claimed a total of 27 lives.
The protesters called for accountability from the authorities for everything that happened, as well as concrete actions, given that only preliminary investigations are still being conducted regarding the controversial quarry above Donja Jablanica.
Additionally, the rehabilitation of the affected areas has been progressing slowly, even months after the floods. The protest march from Baščaršija proceeded to the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the demonstrators presented their demands. The protests in Sarajevo lasted until 2:00 PM. Citizens in both cities have sent their demands to the authorities and, as they stated during today’s gatherings, they will not stop until they are met.
In Zenica, the protests ended around 1:00 PM, and participants announced that they would gather again next week to once again demand that the authorities finally bring about change in society. In addition, the organizers of the protest walk in Zenica announced that another city in Bosnia – Brčko, will also organize a protest in their city. The organizers of the protest in Zenica also stated that if nobody answers to their demands, they will start organizing protests in other days in a week in addition to Sundays.
Written by our correspondent D.I.