Denis Zvizdić challenges Republika Srpska law criminalizing lily symbols

Denis Zvizdić, Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has filed a request with the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina to assess the constitutionality of Article 359b of the Republika Srpska Criminal Code. The law, which came into effect on August 29, criminalizes the use of certain symbols, specifically the flag featuring six golden lilies.

Zvizdić is requesting an urgent temporary measure to suspend the application of this law until a final decision is reached. He warned that the legislation could lead to mass criminal prosecutions, arrests, and detentions of citizens for displaying symbols that are legally recognized throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. He argued that the law threatens freedom of expression and the principle of the rule of law.

Zvizdić emphasized that the flag with the golden lilies is not a war symbol but the internationally recognized state flag under which Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the United Nations in 1992. He noted that the symbolism is also used by the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, making it impossible to separate the state flag from the symbols of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.