Police Question Srebrenica Memorial Center Workers in Tax Probe

Police in Srebrenica have questioned more people connected to the Srebrenica Memorial Center. Seven individuals have now given statements. A list of 26 people is expected to be questioned in total.

Edin Ikanović, a representative for the Memorial Center, confirmed these events. On the day of the report, three former associates and one current associate gave statements. Lawyers were present during these sessions. Ikanović expects more interrogations will happen soon. Three people were questioned on a previous Friday.

Ikanović stated the Memorial Center will discuss its next steps with its legal team. He questioned the motive behind the probe into alleged tax evasion, based on an anonymous complaint. He believes authorities could get needed information from other institutions without calling in center staff.

The questioning started after 26 people received calls to report to the Srebrenica Police Station. This was based on an order from the Bijeljina prosecutor's office. Emir Suljagić, the director of the Memorial Center, earlier said the probe relates to people's work at the center. He called the calls a form of pressure on the center and its staff.

The Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Center is a public institution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its finances and operations are checked by BiH institutions and independent auditors yearly. Reports from these checks go to the Council of Ministers and the BiH Parliament.

Ikanović also commented on US lawmakers seeking new sanctions against officials in Republika Srpska. He welcomed this support. He said it sends a message that efforts to harm the Memorial Center's reputation will not succeed.