SELAK: MORE THAN 95 PERCENT OF VERDICTS UPHELD BY HIGHER COURTS - PROOF OF QUALITY OF WORK

BANJA LUKA, NOVEMBER 6 /SRNA/ - Minister of Justice of Republika Srpska Goran Selak stated that more than 95 percent of the rulings delivered by the Banja Luka District Court have been upheld by higher courts, which, he said, demonstrates the quality of the court’s work.

"Just under five percent of the rulings were returned," Selak told reporters after a meeting with the President of the District Court, Marija Aničić Zgonjanin. Selak reminded that the Banja Luka District Court is the only one with jurisdiction over two prosecutor’s offices – the District Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Republic Public Prosecutor’s Office – and that it handles more than 50 percent of all cases compared to other district courts in Republika Srpska. He said that the shortage of judges was a major issue faced by the court and that he would appeal to the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council to resolve this problem. "Five judges joined the Supreme Court of Republika Srpska this year. This also shows that the District Court is a source of highly qualified judges," Selak said. He emphasized that the court’s president and staff have done everything to make this court an example of good practice, not only for district courts but for all judicial institutions in Republika Srpska. "The Ministry of Justice will provide support regarding material and technical equipment, in terms of audio and video equipment," Selak said. He added that an agreement has been reached with the union to find the best solution for increasing the salaries of administrative staff. He announced that the position of Inspector for Judicial Administration Oversight would soon be filled.