An acquittal in exchange for agreeing to the centralization of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the return of state property. The President of Republika Srpska (RS), Milorad Dodik, claims he was given a choice, though he has not revealed who made the offer. No institution has responded to this statement, though they should, as it opens the door to misleading the public and undermines the dignity of the BiH judiciary.
A year has passed since Dodik first appeared in court. His opposition to the process has followed a familiar pattern: a public spectacle in front of the Court that continues inside the courtroom, and a finale at press conferences in Istocno Sarajevo. In trying to prove his innocence, Dodik resorts to insulting judicial institutions, the State, the United States (U.S.) Embassy, and the Office of the High Representative (OHR) since, in this case, attack seems to be the only defense. With the trial nearing its end and a verdict approaching, Dodik has taken his defense a step further by introducing a dubious offer.
“I will only say that I was offered an acquittal if I agreed to various things, including the centralization of BiH and property issues. I refused, saying that these matters cannot be put on the table, and that’s why there is now an attempt to speed up the process.”
This claim, lacking evidence and names leans closer to deception, and few take it seriously. It wouldn’t be the first statement made in the service of political interests or for the purpose of defense. While Dodik is willing to say almost anything – especially after court sessions where he must submit to the judicial process – the mention of an alleged offer for acquittal is serious enough to warrant the involvement of judicial institutions, which Dodik has frequented for the past year. Whether the offer is real or a fabrication, it constitutes a criminal offense.
“This is an extremely serious statement. It must be verified whether there was indeed anyone who offered him an acquittal, which, from a rational perspective, is highly unlikely. Although, in our environment, if I may say so, nothing is impossible, I still don’t believe this statement is true,” said Nurko Pobric, a professor of constitutional law.
“Such statements are often smokescreens from Milorad Dodik, meant to stir the public, throw things into the political and public sphere, and then be forgotten. Just like the institutions, which should investigate these claims, but don’t. What Dodik is describing constitutes a criminal act. It’s also possible that he’s using these statements to position himself as a national hero. After all, he has already declared himself a national treasure,” said political analyst Tanja Topic.
The mention of an offer and state property has, so far, only raised alarms within the opposition in RS. The idea of agreeing to return state property, after previously seizing it, has triggered a reaction from the opposition. They demand an explanation, but Dodik seems unwilling to be held accountable.
“All we wanted was for the National Assembly of RS (NARS), even behind closed doors if necessary, to receive information on who, when, and where made such a terrible offer,” said Igor Crnadak (PDP).
“The requests rejected at the Collegium were not in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and lacked any written initiatives,” said Nenad Stevandic, President of the NARS.
Or perhaps they were simply not to the government’s liking? Meanwhile, institutions have made no effort to verify the authenticity of the alleged offer.
