President Milorad Dodik of Republika Srpska (RS) claimed today that “Muslims are attempting to dismantle” the RS within Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The BiH Prosecutor’s Office has issued warrants for questioning Dodik, RS Prime Minister Radovan Višković, and RS National Assembly President Nenad Stevandić, as they did not respond to an earlier summons regarding their roles as suspects in undermining the constitutional order of BiH.

This investigation follows actions taken by the RS National Assembly, which on February 27 passed laws that were subsequently published in the RS Official Gazette, effectively prohibiting the operations of the BiH Prosecutor’s Office, the Court of BiH, the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC), and SIPA within the territory of RS.

Dodik has stated that he, along with the others, will not comply with the prosecutor’s summons in Sarajevo.

“Bring him in, let’s see how that goes,” he remarked during a press conference with Višković and Stevandić.

Dodik characterized the situation as a “harassment against RS,” suggesting that efforts are underway to “bolster a Muslim coalition through these pursuits aimed at arresting us”: “We are the leaders of key bodies in RS, and they are not just after us; they claim we are desperately wanted, like we are Al Qaeda or something akin to that, which they know isn’t true.”

He also claimed that today marks a “celebrated occasion” as they are beginning the process of amending the RS Constitution, asserting that their goal is to ensure it aligns with BiH’s Constitution, not with “foreign-imposed nonsense.”

Addressing the actions of prosecutors in Sarajevo, Dodik accused a specific prosecutor, Čapara, and Ćazim Hasanspahić of leading a “joint Muslim enterprise” intent on destabilizing the RS. He remarked that those who continue to follow orders from foreign entities are undermining the constitutional order of BiH, which explicitly stipulates that only the parliamentary assembly has the authority to enact laws.

Dodik dismissed the charges as politically motivated, declaring, “There is no existing law in BiH that pertains to this act they are accusing us of. We simply refuse to engage in it.”

He affirmed his commitment to his duties while asserting he would never abandon RS.

“Anyone who considers us cowards is gravely mistaken. We’re not like those in Sarajevo or some individuals in Banja Luka who would betray their faith, nation, and community for superficial gains. It’s critical to recognize that we are not alike.”

While stating they have called for dialogue, Dodik lamented that “that dialogue has been mocked.” He mentioned that perhaps the time for discussions has not arrived yet, indicating that the current situation is precarious.

“Now, RS police are instructed to arrest me, the President, the National Assembly President, and the Prime Minister of RS, and hand us over to a notorious group in Sarajevo, represented by Čampara, an individual whose family has historically mistreated Serbs. This is a matter of revenge for some,” Dodik asserted.

He declared he would also file charges “against such individuals for various acts of demolition.”

Dodik emphasized he bears no hatred towards any people but cannot tolerate dishonesty and manipulation.

He also suggested that he would not advise the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) to intervene, believing they won’t.

Dodik urged EUFOR to adhere to their mandate, stating, “No Serb will act against you, but Serbs will not accept occupation.”

Višković: I will never voluntarily go to Sarajevo’s court or prosecutor’s office

Višković stated he would never willingly attend the court or prosecutor’s office in Sarajevo due to his lack of trust and belief that a fair trial is unattainable.

He affirmed his determination to lead the RS Government and continue operating as usual.

“What’s unfolding in BiH today is orchestrated by that scoundrel Kristijan Šmit, whose deceitful acts unfortunately prevail over the legitimately elected institutions,” Višković declared at a joint press conference with Dodik and Stevandić.

Višković asserted he acted in adherence to constitutional order:

“Proceed with your threats. You are testing an empty gun, but the situation you’re creating could lead to someone acting from a loaded one. This is not a threat towards Republika Srpska; conciliatory offers from us continue, yet they remain ignored.”

Stevandić: They are attempting to strip us of our right to self-defense

Stevandić remarked that there is an ongoing attempt to revoke their right to self-defense, which he described as “the most fundamental right of any individual and nation.”

He reiterated that “the assault on the RS National Assembly and Republika Srpska” represents the only real assault on the constitutional order.

He stressed that he, along with Dodik and Stevandić, enjoys immunity in RS, and noted their exposure to persecution.

“We are entirely justified in our actions. To be right in Bosnia and Herzegovina invites persecution. Presently, those inciting and demanding the detention of political adversaries, promoting the erasure of our people and republic, and violating both the constitutional order and the Dayton Agreement are shielded, while their derision threatens our human and political rights, as well as our right to life.”

News