The President of Republika Srpska (RS), Milorad Dodik, has declared his intention to disregard the final ruling that sentenced him to a year in prison, along with a six-year prohibition on political activity. He also mentioned plans to seek assistance from Russia and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Appellate Chamber of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) confirmed the initial verdict given to Dodik in February, which stemmed from his failure to implement decisions by the High Representative in BiH. There is no option for appeal against this ruling.

“This outcome was anticipated; it is purely a political act meant to target Republika Srpska, personified through Milorad Dodik,” he stated during a press event in Banja Luka.

Dodik alleged that the purpose of this ruling is to achieve his “political removal.”

He firmly stated his rejection of the BiH Court’s verdict, asserting that it was established by the European Union (EU), with Luigi Sorrec, the EU Delegation head to BiH, as a key figure.

He further accused EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Cos of being “complicit,” urging his associates to “disregard foreign and EU ambassadors.”

Dodik noted that the RS National Assembly will deliberate on the ruling and affirmed that he would honor the assembly’s decision. Notably, the parliament previously passed laws that banned the operations of both the Court and Prosecutor’s Office of BiH in RS shortly after the initial verdict against Dodik.

Dodik reiterated that, per the “Constitution of BiH, there is no prosecutor’s office, court, or high representative capable of making legally binding decisions,” blaming High Representative Christian Schmidt for “instigating chaos in BiH under external orders.”

“We have the means to counteract this. We are engaged in discussions regarding a new Constitution and have enacted laws that we will uphold. We are committed to safeguarding the interests of RS and maintaining peace,” Dodik declared.

He urged RS citizens to maintain their composure, asserting that early elections will not occur as long as he holds the title of entity president. He also encouraged the people of RS and the police to prevent any early elections for the presidency of RS.

“I believe RS must defend itself. I risk this being one of my final political addresses… I look forward to receiving unwavering support from Serbia, and I will reach out to Russia. We will also engage with the new American administration. This is disgraceful; it bears no relation to democracy and is merely a manifestation of Muslim aspirations to dominate BiH,” he commented.

Dodik urged the citizens and police of RS to obstruct any early elections for the presidential office of that entity.

He warned RS Serbs that “if they remain inactive, they will face an exodus in five years, becoming a dwindling minority unable to voice their political opinions.”

“The populace should not live in fear. No violence will erupt here. Our strength lies in unity. As far as we can discern, I am still permitted to remain president of the party (SNSD). We will stick together. Following my return to elections in six years, we aim to present a new platform, should we choose to do so; however, I hope by then, BiH will cease to exist, at least without the Court and Prosecutor’s Office of BiH,” Dodik concluded.

Reports from the Associated Press indicate that Dodik is unlikely to serve time soon given his considerable support from Serbia, which can offer him refuge in Belgrade, as well as backing from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has welcomed him on at least three occasions since the initial verdict on February 26.

The EU reiterated yesterday that the final ruling against Dodik must be honored and urged all parties to recognize the autonomy and impartiality of the BiH Court responsible for the decision.

British Ambassador to BiH, Julian Riley, emphasized that the Appellate Chamber’s final verdict should be fully respected, and all relevant institutions must uphold the rule of law.

High Representative in BiH, Christian Schmidt, stated to the Detektor portal yesterday that court judgments must be acknowledged.

The Russian Embassy in BiH noted that any rulings based on alleged violations of decisions made by the High Representative—whom RS does not acknowledge—are legally invalid and politically motivated.

Commenting on the Appellate Division’s verdict, the Russian Embassy told Srna that they perceive that legally, there is no High Representative in BiH and that Christian Schmidt is essentially a usurper.

“Responsibility for any potential destabilization of the internal political climate in the country lies with the promoters of this political initiative,” stated the embassy.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić remarked that the EU’s response to Dodik’s verdict is disgraceful, noting that Serbia has not faced such a challenging situation since 2008, following the BiH Court’s decision.

Dodik’s attorney, Goran Bubić, announced plans to file an appeal with the Constitutional Court of BiH in an effort to contest the verdict.

“We will also seek a temporary measure to suspend the execution of the ruling until the Constitutional Court of BiH reaches a decision,” Bubić stated at a press conference in Banja Luka, asserting that these measures are essential for a subsequent appeal to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

He revealed that the Court of BiH informed him at around 11:00 AM yesterday that the first-instance verdict against Dodik was confirmed and that the parties’ appeals had been dismissed.

“We anticipated justice. Unfortunately, our expectations were unfounded. The president’s legal team will continue to utilize all available legal avenues,” Bubić said at the press event in Banja Luka.

Dodik may “buy out” his one-year prison sentence for 36,000 convertible marks (approximately 18,500 euros).

Following the conclusive ruling, Dodik is expected to resign from the presidency.

Within 15 days, the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CEC) should annul his mandate, subsequently scheduling early elections for the RS presidency within three months.

Dodik can “buy out” his one-year prison sentence for 36,000 convertible marks (approximately 18,500 euros).

Nebojša Vukanović, the opposition party leader of For Justice and Order, raised concerns over who will enforce the final ruling against Dodik and how it will be carried out.

“Will the institutions behave as they did months ago when a warrant was issued for him? Will the CEC revoke his mandate and call for new elections? How will these elections be conducted?” Vukanović questioned.

He anticipated that the Collegium of the RS National Assembly would convene on Monday, followed by a special session of the entity parliament, which, as he suggested, would yield new radical measures and resolutions.

Vukanović pointed out that the BiH Court had acknowledged Dodik when he appeared for questioning over suspicions of attempting to undermine BiH’s constitutional order.

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