Banja Luka police ban Studentska lista youth assembly

The Banja Luka Police Administration has banned a peaceful gathering organized by the Studentska lista titled ‘Youth as Participants in Social Trends’. The event, scheduled for October 11, was expected to draw between 50 and 100 participants to discuss the role of youth in social and political developments.

In its decision, the police stated that operational checks suggested the assembly could lead to a breach of public order and peace. The authorities expressed concerns that organized groups, including certain student factions and football supporters, hold negative views toward the gathering, specifically regarding the stances of Serbian students on the Srebrenica genocide. The police assessment indicated a risk of organized protests and physical attacks against organizers and participants.

Despite organizers attempting to relocate the event to Mladen Stojanović Park following discussions with authorities, the ban remained in place. The police cited previous incidents in Višegrad as justification for the decision to prevent potential unrest.