Srebrenica Memorial Center Challenges Prosecutor's Tax Evasion Inquiry

The Srebrenica Memorial Center Potočari has asked the Bijeljina District Public Prosecutor's Office for information. This concerns an anonymous report about alleged tax evasion and unpaid contributions. The claims relate to work contracts the Center made in 2022. Lawyers Abdulah Kešan and Anel Ibeljić made this request for the Center.

The Memorial Center wants to confirm if a case exists from this anonymous report. They seek its number and the assigned prosecutor. They also ask what is being investigated. They want to know if the Tax Administration of Republika Srpska has been asked to audit tax calculations.

A key concern for the Center is why 26 former and current staff members are being questioned. The Center argues that tax information could be verified with a simple letter to the tax authority. They also question how summonses are delivered. Some people reportedly received calls just before interviews. Others received them late at night or early in the morning, demanding they report to the police station the same day. The Center asks if this method is ordered by the Prosecutor's Office or if it is police practice.

The Srebrenica Memorial Center believes any tax issues should be checked with tax institutions. They say that as a budget organization, all payments go through the treasury. Payments for work contracts require taxes to be calculated and paid.

The Center plans a press conference soon. They will publicly share 2022 contracts, bank statements, and tax payment proofs. They will also ask the Tax Administration of Republika Srpska for proof of no tax debt. The Center wants the anonymous claims checked lawfully and transparently. They state they do not want to influence the Prosecutor's independence. They only seek specific information about any open case. Copies of their request were sent to several other institutions, including the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of BiH and the BiH Council of Ministers.