SELAK: POSSIBILITY TO SUBSTITUTE PRISON SENTENCES OF UP TO ONE YEAR WITH A FINE OR COMMUNITY SERVICE

BANJA LUKA, December 17 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Justice Minister Goran Selak said that the Draft Law on Amendments to the Republika Srpska Criminal Code envisages that prison sentences of up to one year may be substituted with a monetary fine or community service, subject to court approval.

Explaining the draft law, which members of the Republika Srpska National Assembly are considering under an urgent procedure, Selak clarified that, when deciding on the substitution of a prison sentence, the court will assess the personality of the convicted person, their attitude toward the criminal offence, and their willingness to compensate for the damage caused. He pointed out that this approach strengthens the principle of equality, as convicted persons who lack financial means are given the opportunity to perform community service. Selak stressed that substitution of prison sentences is not possible for serious criminal offences against children, sexual violence, terrorism, or crimes against the constitutional order, nor for repeat offenders. According to him, the Ministry has signed agreements with numerous local communities regarding community service. "This protects the Constitution of Republika Srpska and sends a clear message that the law is equal for all," Selak said.