Bosnia-Herzegovina: Thousands stage protest in Banja Luka December 30 /update 1

Event

Thousands of people protested over a student's March 2018 death in Banja Luka on Sunday, December 30, demanding the resignations of the interior minister and police officials as part of a larger movement aimed at reducing corruption and improving the rule of law in the country. Similar protests are to be expected in Banja Luka over the coming days; related demonstrations are also possible in other Bosnian cities. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near protest sites.

Context

Protests have been held in Banja Luka since the unexplained death of 21-year-old student David Dragičević in the city in March 2018. Though initially deemed a suicide, protesters in the "Justice for David" movement are requesting that police treat the case as a murder. Demonstrators have also denounced a perceived lack of transparency and widespread corruption among the country's police, as well as an alleged deficient rule of law.

Advice

Individuals in Bosnia-Herzegovina, particularly those in Banja Luka, are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid all protests as a precaution.