REFRAIN FROM RHETORIC THAT COULD INCITE HATRED AND INTOLERANCE

SARAJEVO, NOVEMBER 7 /SRNA/ – Everyone should refrain from rhetoric that could incite violence, hatred, or intolerance, the OSCE Mission stated in response to SRNA’s inquiry regarding the intolerance expressed in Sarajevo toward the Hapoel basketball team from Tel Aviv, which played a Euro League game in the “Zetra” arena.

The OSCE Mission emphasizes that the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, which are the cornerstone of every democratic society, must be exercised responsibly and in a way that fosters tolerance, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. The Mission called for nurturing dialogue and promoting understanding among all communities. The Ministry of Interior of Sarajevo Canton decided that the EuroLeague game between Hapoel and Dubai teams would be played in an empty “Zetra” arena for security reasons. Heavy police presence was deployed around “Zetra” during last night’s match. The day before the game, a group of citizens entered the lobby of the Sarajevo Canton Government building demanding that Sarajevo withdraw its hospitality to the Hapoel team. Due to similar politicization and displays of antisemitism, the European Conference of Rabbis, which was planned to take place in Sarajevo this summer, was also canceled.