Podgorica, (MINA) – The Bijelo polje committee of the Bosniak Party submitted an initiative to the local assembly to revoke the “Risto Ratkovic“ literary award previously given to former president of the Bosnian entity of Republika Srpska and convicted war criminal Radovan Karadzic.

The BS reminded that Karadzic was sentenced to life imprisonment for genocide, crimes against humanity, violation of laws and customs of war.

They stated that the “Risto Ratkovic” award was presented to Karadzic in 1993 for a book of poetry.

“We are of the opinion that the award was, in fact, awarded purely for political reasons, rather than the literary quality of his poetry”, says the statement of the BS Bijelo Polje committee.

They believe that by awarding a convicted genocide criminal, Bijelo Polje, which is known for its harmonious coexistence, multiculturalism and harmony between members of different religions and nations, has been permanently stained.