JUDGMENT AGAINST SRPSKA PRESIDENT - VIOLATION OF DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES

EAST SARAJEVO, AUGUST 6 /SRNA/ – The University of East Sarajevo has strongly condemned the judgment against the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, stating that the ruling is not based on legal arguments, but rather represents an abuse of judicial mechanisms for political purposes and a violation of the democratic principles, which any rule-of-law state should rest on.

The University emphasized its firm support for the institution of the Republika Srpska President and the democratically expressed will of the people. It was noted that attacks on legitimately elected representatives of the people are also attacks on the very foundations of Srpska and its constitutionally guaranteed position within BiH. "The entire process conducted against President Dodik has left a deep impression of political instrumentalization and selective application of the law, which further erodes trust in the judicial system of BiH," the University stated. This institution of higher education warned that such decisions do not contribute to reconciliation or the building of a stable society, but rather introduce new divisions and deepen political tensions in the country. The University also stressed that such legal-political actions directly undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement, which is the sole foundation for peace, stability, and equality in BiH. "Any action aimed at humiliating the institutions of Republika Srpska and its leadership is not only unjust but also represents a dangerous step toward the destabilization of the country," the University of East Sarajevo warned. They called on all relevant institutions and social stakeholders in BiH to refrain from any actions that could lead to further divisions and destabilization, and to ensure the respect of international agreements, especially the Dayton Accords, as the foundation of peace and stability in the country. The University emphasized that it will continue to consistently advocate for the values of justice, dialogue, and mutual respect, and will contribute to the preservation of Republika Srpska as an integral and equal part of BiH. The Appellate Division of the Court of BiH confirmed the first-instance judgment sentencing President Milorad Dodik to one year in prison and a six-year ban on political activity for "non-compliance with the decisions of Christian Schmidt".