A Bosnian appeals court on Thursday upheld a one-year prison sentence and a six-year political ban against Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srpska, over his refusal to implement decisions issued by the international High Representative. The verdict, now final, has triggered political uproar within Bosnia and Republika Srpska and drawn international attention.
The court confirmed that Dodik violated Bosnia’s criminal code by signing decrees enacting laws previously annulled by the High Representative, Christian Schmidt. These laws, adopted by Republika Srpska’s assembly, aimed to prevent enforcement of rulings by Bosnia’s Constitutional Court and the High Representative.
The ruling imposes a complete ban on Dodik’s participation in political functions for six years. While his one-year prison sentence can legally be commuted to a fine, questions remain about how the political ban will be enforced, especially as Dodik currently holds the office of president.
Bosnia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) said it cannot act without receiving an official copy of the final ruling. “We must review the full judgment before we can initiate any steps,” said Irena Hadžiabdić, the head of the CEC.
Dodik Defiant, Calls Verdict Politically Motivated
Dodik rejected the verdict as a foreign-imposed political decision. “This is a politically driven and illegitimate ruling led by the High Representative,” he said during a press conference in Banja Luka. “I am guilty only because I refused to recognize Schmidt, who was never legally appointed.”
He claimed the ruling represents an attempt to eliminate Republika Srpska as a political entity. “The court serves to dismantle the Serb Republic, and I will only obey the decisions of the Republika Srpska parliament,” he added.
Dodik said he would not allow early elections and vowed to remain in office until the National Assembly of Republika Srpska decides otherwise.
Legal Battle Ahead
Dodik’s legal team announced plans to file an appeal to Bosnia’s Constitutional Court, potentially delaying implementation of the verdict. His allies argue that the ruling cannot be enforced until constitutional and international human rights courts weigh in.
Meanwhile, opposition figures and representatives of the international community welcomed the ruling as a step toward upholding the rule of law. Domestic critics, including former coalition allies, called the sentence proof that “no one is above the law.”
Growing International Concern
The Russian Embassy in Sarajevo denounced the decision as politically charged and warned of possible destabilization. Hungary’s foreign minister called it a continuation of a political “witch hunt” against Serb leaders in Bosnia.
Dodik said he plans to appeal for support from Serbia, Russia, and the United States. “This is a synchronized attack on the Serbs – on Republika Srpska and on Serbia. We will resist through unity,” he wrote on social media platform X, accusing the West of orchestrating a campaign to reshape Bosnia in favor of Bosniak political forces.
Domestic Reactions Split
Željka Cvijanović, the Serb member of Bosnia’s tripartite presidency, dismissed the ruling as politically motivated. “This is no different than the first-instance ruling. We have solutions,” she said.
Analysts remain divided. Tanja Topić, a political analyst, noted that Dodik may be tacitly accepting the ruling. “He insists he won’t recognize the verdict or hold early elections but ends by saying that if he cannot remain president of his party, he’ll return in six years – to a Bosnia that may no longer exist.”
A special session of Republika Srpska’s National Assembly is expected early next week, with Dodik’s sentence as the main item on the agenda.