Prime Minister Radovan Višković of Republika Srpska reaffirmed his stance that the trial against Milorad Dodik, the president of this entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a politically motivated farce aimed at ousting a democratically elected leader from power.

Višković expressed his views following the first-instance ruling by the Court of BiH.

“With this disgraceful ruling, the Court of BiH has violated all legal standards and principles, effectively dismantling the Constitution of BiH and jeopardizing BiH as a sovereign state. This proceedings should never have commenced, and we have consistently highlighted this issue. Despite this, the President of Republika Srpska demonstrated his innocence during his defense, showing that he acted in accordance with the law and the Constitution. However, the trial was not conducted in accordance with the law but rather influenced by a self-proclaimed High Representative. It is important to note that Christian Schmidt lacks legitimacy, as his appointment was not endorsed by the United Nations Security Council,” stated Višković, as reported by RTRS.

He further asserted that “even if Schmidt were legitimate, he does not hold the authority to enact laws.”

“This ruling confirms that BiH is a colony where one individual can legislate in such a way that a legitimately elected president is prosecuted and convicted. This is a setback for justice, for society, and for BiH as a whole, which can no longer be regarded as a sovereign nation. Today’s verdict has sent a clear message to us in Republika Srpska that we have no place in such a BiH, compelling us to remain united in safeguarding our institutions and Republika Srpska,” Višković added.

Vučević: Verdict is Anti-Civilizational, Immoral, and Illegal

Resigning Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević stated that they stand “with the people of Republika Srpska and its institutions.”

“This commitment will persist even in difficult times, not just during favorable circumstances,” he told RTRS.

“The judgment delivered yesterday is, to say the least, anti-civilizational, immoral, and illegal. We have warned against the judicial branch overstepping its bounds into the legislative arena. At this time, we require popular and national unity. Last night, Presidents Vučić and Dodik conveyed critical messages, reinforcing calmness, which is crucial,” he said.

He reiterated that Serbia stands firmly with the RS and its legally elected leadership.

“A critical message from Republika Srpska’s President, Milorad Dodik, is his call for dialogue among all political parties within BiH. One cannot undermine the will of a people and then anticipate progress in BiH. I am confident that there will be sufficient solidarity, primarily from all political representatives in Republika Srpska, as this is not the time for petty political interests, but for defending Republika Srpska,” he emphasized.

Vučević noted that he anticipates a session of the Serbian Parliament in the coming weeks where the President of the RS will also address the assembly.

“Regrettably, I do not expect total unity in the Serbian Parliament, as there are individuals who do not favor Srpska, unlike the majority of Serbia. These instances are isolated examples of certain politicians or parties with minimal support from the public. It is vital that Dodik has the opportunity to share his perspective during this session regarding the situation in Republika Srpska and BiH,” he concluded, as reported by the RTRS portal.

The Court of BiH found the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, guilty in a first-instance ruling for failing to comply with the decisions of Kristijan Šmit, sentencing him to one year in prison and prohibiting him from holding the office of president for six years, effective from when the verdict becomes final.

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