Bosnia Ponders Where to Hold Former Syria Fighters

The Bosnian Minister for Human Rights and Refugees on Thursday said families of former Islamic State fighter in Syria might be accommodated near the southwest city of Mostar at the Selakovac reception centre.

"If they have no other place to stay, they may be placed in this centre. Salakovac is a possible option," Semiha Borovac told the media.

Bosnia has verified the data of 91 men, women and children from Bosnia currently still in Syria following the collapse of the Islamic State caliphate and who wish to go home.

The authorities will continue working on these 91 cases, and on other Bosnian citizens held in camps across Syria, the Security Ministry told N1 media outlet on June 26.

The sensitive issue of the return of ISIS fighters and recruits from Syria will be dealt with by a special coordination body acting under the Foreign Ministry.

"We are fully aware of the extremely difficult situation in the said camps [in Syria]. But Bosnia's ability to directly help is very limited, which is why we are cooperating with our international partners and family members of individuals in the camps. Finding a solution to this extremely difficult and sensitive issue is a great challenge even for the more developed countries than Bosnia," the ministry said.

In April, a 24-year-old Bosnian was sent back to from Syria, as BIRN reported, and charged with organising terrorist acts among other crimes.

So far, Bosnian courts have sentenced 23 people under second-instance verdicts to a total of 42 years and eight months in prison in 14 different cases, for traveling to Syria to fight or for recruiting others to fight. Another trial is ongoing and the beginning of a trial in a further case is awaited.

Dragan Mektic, Bosnian Security...