Citizens in the northern city of Banja Luka gathered on Monday evening for the 176th time in support of the family of David Dragicevic, a young man whose mysterious death sparked numerous protests, as his family suspects authorities covered up his murder.
Dragicevic’s death and the allegations against authorities have caused shockwaves in Republika Srpska (RS), Bosnia’s Serb-dominated semi-autonomous entity, but also in the entire country.
The lifeless body of 21-year-old David Dragicevic was found in a local river in March this year. Police initially said the death was a result of drowning, but the family and all those involved in the ‘Justice for David’ group, who have been gathering in Banja Luka to protest frequently since March, say the police are trying to hide the perpetrators of the murder.
“It has been six months since my child went out to town. Six months exactly since he did not return home, to his father, mother, sister and brother,” said David’s father, Davor Dragicevic at the gathering.
He believes his son was tortured and sexually assaulted by members of the police force or those close to them.
“Why did my child not return for six months? Because those people who should be looking out for order, peace and security of the children and citizens have kidnapped him, raped him, massacred him and in the end killed him and threw him in a sewer,” he said.
David’s father also responded to articles that have emerged on some local news portals that accuse him of colluding with “foreign intelligence services” and capitalising on the death of his son.
“There is no way to forgive such accusations, (…) and since there is no truth or justice for David Dragicevic and other children, there will be no peace for the Government ever again. Not for any Government that treats its citizens like a stepmother treats children,” he said.
The Banja Luka Prosecutors’ Office has meanwhile submitted a lawsuit against unknown perpetrators for the murder of David Dragicevic. Prosecutors also indicted two police officers in Banja Luka for tampering with evidence in the case.
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