Bosnian Far-Right Movement Weds Bosniak Nationalism, Neo-Nazism

As a minor, Emir was drawn to the hardline Bosniak nationalism of the Bosnian Movement of National Pride, BPNP. But he hoped the anti-Semitism and fascism would not be too visible, not to draw the attention of the authorities.

"I knew there was Nazism," he said, claiming to have since left the group. "I hoped it would not be on display so much."

But Nazism is what the BPNP openly espouses. And for more than a decade it has avoided all official scrutiny, while keeping the names of those who run it under wraps.

This investigation lifts the lid on the group's membership, its recruitment of minors and its ambitions.

'Blood and soil' ideology

Ernad Drljic from Tuzla pointed out the BPNP's flag in Srebrenica. Illustration: BIRN

Founded in 2009, the BPNP was described in 2018 report published by the International Relations Committee of the House of Lords - the upper house of the UK parliament - as a "nationalist and secular organisation whose ideology is underpinned by a belief in the superiority of Bosniaks and a belief that they alone should rule Bosnia and Herzegovina."

The Simon Wiesenthal Centre says it follows a 'blood and soil' ideology that aims for a pure Bosniak state based on 'genetics'.

"They are against multiculturalism because it is considered a threat to the survival of "true" Bosnians," the centre says. "The BPNP stands against Zionism, Islamism, Communism and Capitalism. The movement is strongly homophobic, arguing that homosexuality is destroying society through its threat to 'family values'."

At first glance, the group's opposition to 'Islamism' might appear odd, given that the vast majority of Bosniaks identify as Muslims.

But the group's members say they characterise ...