Bosnia detains President of Republika Srpska, other officials over constitutional breach

The Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has issued an order for the detention of President of Republika Srpska (RS) Milorad Dodik, Prime Minister Radovan Višković, and Speaker of the RS National Assembly Nenad Stevandić on charges of violating the constitutional order.

The order was signed by prosecutor Čazim Hasanspahić. The charges stem from those individuals’ actions, which BiH authorities claim undermined the country's constitutional framework, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Radio Television of Republika Srpska (RTRS).

The charges come after a proposal by Dodik on March 7, suggesting that employees of BiH’s judiciary, including personnel from the courts, the prosecutor’s office, and the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), all of which are not recognized by RS authorities, should transfer to work within the institutions of Republika Srpska.

Prior to this, Dodik had signed decrees that implemented laws passed by the RS parliament on February 28. These laws include the creation of a special registry for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and a ban on the operation of BiH’s joint institutions, including the common courts, prosecutor's office, and SIPA, within Republika Srpska, citing their lack of recognition under the BiH constitution. 

On February 26, the court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) sentenced Milorad Dodik in absentia to one year in prison for failing to comply with decisions made by the High Representative and the Constitutional Court of Bosnia. The court's decision has not yet taken effect and can be appealed. A final ruling is expected by the end of 2025. If the conviction becomes final, Dodik’s powers will be revoked, and he will be stripped of any awards and distinctions. 

Additionally, he will be prohibited from holding any position in state institutions, the court explained. In response, Dodik declared that the Republika Srpska does not recognize the verdict of the Bosnian court. He also announced that the RS parliament would pass laws banning the operation of BiH's courts, prosecutor’s office, and intelligence services within the republic.

By Naila Huseynova