President of Republika Srpska (RS), Milorad Dodik, claimed today that “Muslims are intent on dismantling” that entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The Prosecutor’s Office of BiH has issued an order to summon Dodik, RS Prime Minister Radovan Višković, and RS National Assembly President Nenad Stevandić for questioning, after they did not respond to a previous summons regarding allegations of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order of BiH.

The Prosecutor’s Office opened a case against these three figures for “undermining the constitutional order” following the publication of new laws by the RS National Assembly on February 27 that effectively prevent the Prosecutor’s Office, the Court of BiH, the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC), and SIPA from functioning in RS.

Dodik announced that they would not comply with the prosecutor’s summons in Sarajevo.

“Bring him in, let’s see how you plan to do that,” he remarked during a joint press conference with Višković and Stevandić.

Dodik described the situation as a “harassment against RS” meant to bolster a Muslim coalition, stating: “We are the leaders of key institutions in RS, and they are not just after us; it has been indicated that we are wanted urgently, as if we were members of Al Qaeda or something alike, which they clearly know, right?”

He labeled today as a “momentous day” for them, as they are initiating procedures to amend the RS Constitution, which they aim to ensure does not contradict the BiH Constitution but is instead “consistent with its essence, and not based on the nonsensical demands of outsiders.”

“The coordinated efforts of Muslim prosecutors and influential figures in Sarajevo, led by a prosecutor named Čapara and Ćazim Hasanspahić—who signed this order—illustrate that Muslims are trying to dismantle the RS. Those Muslims who continue to operate under the directives of foreign entities, which have no legal bearing, are infringing upon BiH’s constitutional order, as only the parliamentary assembly has the authority to enact laws.”

Dodik criticized the legality of the actions being taken, labeling them as “politically motivated.” “There has not yet been any legal basis in BiH that relates to these alleged offenses. We simply refuse to engage in this matter.”

He affirmed his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities, maintaining that he would travel but never abandon RS.

“Anyone who thinks we are cowards is gravely mistaken. We are not like those in Sarajevo, nor are we like some here in Banja Luka, who would sell their identity or community for minor gains. You must recognize that we are fundamentally different.”

Dodik added that while they have called for dialogue, it has been dismissed. “Perhaps the time for that dialogue isn’t right yet, so I prefer not to engage. However, if it remains unsought, we will encounter significant issues. So, there is still time for that conversation.”

“Now, RS police are tasked with apprehending me, the President of the Republic, the President of the National Assembly, and the Prime Minister of RS, to hand us over to a notorious group of Muslim detractors represented by Čampara, a descendant from a family historically hostile to Serbs in Gacko. His tasks appear retributive. And concerning Ćazim… Hasanspahić… though unfamiliar to me, his name and identity reflect deep Muslim affiliations. If you, Mr. Ćazim, are willing to persecute us Serbs for our beliefs or identities, be clear that our ancestors resisted in much worse conditions. I’m not claiming heroism; ultimately, you will not succeed either,” Dodik asserted.

He also mentioned that he would be filing charges today “against individuals like this, for their destructive actions.”

Dodik insists he holds no animosity towards any group but cannot abide those who “lie and manipulate the truth.”

He remarked that he would not advise actions by the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) and expresses doubts that SIPA would take action.

Dodik urged EUFOR to adhere strictly to its mandate. “No Serb will attack you or provoke any incidents, but we are not prepared to tolerate occupation.”

Višković: I will never willingly appear before the courts in Sarajevo

Višković stated that he would never willingly appear before the courts or prosecutor’s office in Sarajevo due to a lack of trust and expectations of unfair proceedings.

He affirmed his commitment to leading the RS Government and continuing his work as before.

“What transpires today in BiH is the doing of Kristijan Šmit, a vile liar and fraudster, who unfortunately, some institutions in BiH prioritize over duly elected authorities,” Višković stated during a joint press briefing in Banja Luka alongside RS President Milorad Dodik and RS Assembly Speaker Nenad Stevandić.

Višković maintained that he has not acted in ways that would breach the constitutional order:

“Feel free to implement your threats. You’re firing from an empty chamber. However, you’re creating a scenario where someone may resort to live firearms. This is not a threat to Republika Srpska; conciliatory gestures are emanating from here, invitations to dialogue… yet all are disregarded.”

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

Stevandić asserted that their right to self-defense, “the most fundamental right for individuals and nations,” is under siege.

He claimed that “the assault on the RS National Assembly and Republika Srpska” represents the sole threat to the constitutional order.

Stevandić also noted that he, along with Dodik and Stevandić, enjoy immunity within RS and are subjected to pursuit.

“We are unequivocally justified in our actions. Being right in Bosnia and Herzegovina entails persecution. Currently, those who incite conflict, call for the arrest of political adversaries, aim to undermine the population and their republic, contradict the constitutional order and the Dayton Agreement are shielded, while their witch hunt seeks to threaten our human rights, political rights, and even our right to life.”

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