"Let's stop counting women killed": Public appeal by 31 activists and journalists after new femicide

A group of thirty-one activists and journalists from Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued a public statement following the recent murder of a woman in Gračanić, urging authorities to shift focus from merely counting victims to holding institutions accountable for their roles in preventing domestic violence. The statement highlights the growing frustration among advocates who feel that the repeated occurrence of such crimes has become normalized rather than addressed systematically. They argue that statistics alone fail to capture the emotional toll on families and loved ones affected by these tragedies.

The activists note that since the beginning of this year, five women have been murdered, one child was killed, and there were two attempted murders in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The youngest victim was just two years old, while the oldest was seventy-nine. In four of the cases, firearms were used, and perpetrators were often current or former partners, family members, or relatives of the victims. This pattern underscores the deeply rooted nature of gender-based violence within familial structures.

The statement emphasizes that after each incident, the question arises whether the crime could have been prevented, but answers remain elusive. It criticizes the lack of comprehensive and independent analyses into the actions of relevant institutions, including police, prosecutors, courts, social services, and healthcare facilities. These analyses would help determine if there were lapses, who is responsible, and what measures need improvement to prevent future killings.

The activists warn against reducing discussions about domestic violence to calls for harsher penalties without addressing institutional responses. They highlight how perpetrators often act under the belief that they have the right to control and make decisions about women's lives, making it impossible to resolve the issue solely through stricter punitive policies. Additionally, harmful societal attitudes that normalize or even justify such violence contribute to its persistence.

They call for each murder to serve as a catalyst for thorough investigations into the conduct of all relevant institutions. This includes examining how police respond to reports, whether prosecutors adequately pursue charges, and if social services provide sufficient support to victims. The activists stress that only by identifying potential failures and assigning responsibility can a system be built to prevent further deaths.

The statement also urges society to view the killing of women by partners, ex-partners, or family members not as isolated incidents or acts of passion, but as femicides—murders motivated by gender-based violence and a demonstration of power. This reframing aims to challenge the narrative that treats such crimes as private matters rather than systemic issues requiring collective action.

In conclusion, the activists emphasize the importance of creating a supportive environment where victims can seek help without fear. They have provided contact numbers for assistance, including 1265 for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 1264 for the Republika Srpska. The public statement was released on June 23, 2026, in response to the murder in Gračanić.

A documentary titled “Dark Room” will be screened in Sarajevo, shedding light on the issue of femicide and gender-based violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The film explores the deep-rooted social, institutional, and cultural conditions that allow such violence to persist unchecked. It begins with the sobering reality that femicide rarely occurs as an isolated incident but is often the tragic culmination of prolonged abuse.

The creators of the documentary, produced by doku.ba, were inspired by the ongoing series of femicide cases reported in cities such as Gradačac, Sarajevo, Tuzla, Kalesija, and Mostar. Co-director Almir Kljuno describes the production process as exceptionally challenging, emphasizing the need to address the normalization of domestic violence as part of everyday life. He notes that the language of the streets—captured through graffiti, slogans, and personal testimonies—reflects the chaos and conflict embedded in human relationships.

Through emotional accounts from survivors of domestic violence and conversations with experts in social protection, law enforcement, justice, psychology, and civil society, the film delves into the complex mechanisms behind gender-based violence. Special attention is given to the most vulnerable moment for victims—the period when they attempt to escape abusive relationships—and questions the responsibilities of institutions, families, and media in addressing these issues.

Director Osman Zukić acknowledges the sensitivity of conducting interviews with victims of domestic violence, highlighting the challenges faced during production beyond technical and organizational hurdles. He explains the careful considerations required when approaching a woman who has experienced abuse, including where to conduct the interview and what questions to ask. Despite the difficulties, he hopes the film will encourage viewers to reflect on the prevalence of violence around them and consider ways to reduce it.

The documentary does not offer definitive solutions but aims to illuminate the darker corners of society. It underscores that femicide in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a systemic problem requiring the creation of a safer environment for all citizens. Following the screening, a discussion with the filmmakers and participants is planned. The film will be shown on Friday, June 26, 2026, starting at 8 PM at the Sarajevo Cinematheque (Alipašina 19), with free entry for all attendees.