"I am deeply concerned by recent statements from the highest political leaders in Republika Srpska that risk fuelling hate and intolerance against Bosniaks, increasing inter-ethnic tensions and endangering peace", said today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty.

"As stressed by the European Court of Human Rights, hate speech is incompatible with the European Convention and its values of tolerance, social peace, and non-discrimination. Public figures, whose words shape public attitudes, carry a particular responsibility, especially in a country where incitement to hatred led to war and atrocities in the recent past. I call on political leaders in Republika Srpska to refrain from hateful speech and to promote respectful, human rights-based public debate."