New Book Documents Bosnia's Fight for Justice at Hague Tribunal

Sarajevo recently hosted the promotion of Amir Ahmić's book, "Victory of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Cooperation and Legacy of the Hague Tribunal." The event at the Gazi-husrev begova Library was fully attended. This book is a vital record of Bosnia and Herzegovina's struggle for truth and justice. It seeks international recognition for aggression and genocide. The book shows how Bosnian institutions, witnesses, and individuals worked to prove crimes at the Hague Tribunal. It aims to protect truth from those who deny or try to change history.

For Bosniaks and for Bosnia and Herzegovina, this book is a key historical document. It proves that truth came from great sacrifice, hard work, and determination. Many people defended the dignity of victims and the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The book was promoted by several notable figures. These included Dr. Ekrem Tucaković, former Croatian President Stipe Mesić, and former Reisu-l-ulema Mustafa ef. Cerić. Journalists Sead Omeragić and Boro Kontić also spoke.

Boro Kontić highlighted Ahmić's long experience. Ahmić worked with the Tribunal for nearly 30 years. He was first the head of the State Security Service of RBiH. From 1999 to 2023, he was a liaison officer with the Tribunal. His personal experience in The Hague helped him connect legal experts, historians, journalists, and students with the public. Kontić noted that the book uses many sources. These include indictments, judgments, legal documents, and witness testimonies. It also draws from international and local publications.

Kontić mentioned that disputed evidence from Bosnian security services was confirmed in court. This happened when NATO forces seized documents from the Serbian side. These documents were identical to what the Bosnian side had recorded. Ahmić started writing the book more than 20 years ago. He felt there was too little known about Bosnia and Herzegovina's cooperation with the Tribunal. The finished book uses his personal experience and many documents. It recalls the role of individuals, institutions, witnesses, and victims. It tells the story of finding truth and achieving justice. Kontić called it Ahmić's "Final Report" from The Hague.

Dr. Ekrem Tucaković, the book's editor, emphasized Ahmić's focus on the danger of revisionism. The book warns against denying the Tribunal's work and its rulings. This includes judgments on genocide, joint criminal enterprises, and international conflict. Ahmić believes that fighting revisionism and denial is a lasting duty for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The book also gives dignity back to crime victims, especially those who testified. Their work and struggle find triumph and satisfaction in the book, giving them new self-respect.

Mustafa ef. Cerić said reading Ahmić's book felt different from reading a novel. He found no fiction, only real people and real stories. He spoke of real mothers who lost sons and real graves. He described real courtrooms where a true fight for truth and justice took place. Cerić noted the book’s strong moral value. He said Ahmić carried the burden of a whole nation during difficult times. Ahmić knew that behind every document was a lost life. Behind every judgment was a mother. Behind every piece of evidence was a grave. Cerić called the book a victory over forgetting. He urged people to experience it as part of their collective memory.