Milorad Dodik, the president of Bosnia’s Serb entity, Republika Srpska, has rejected opposition accusations that the recent arrest of Milan Miličević, leader of the Serb Democratic Party (SDS), was politically orchestrated and aimed at silencing dissent.
Speaking to the Provjereno news portal, Dodik denied any involvement in the case, which he said rests solely on the actions of the judiciary. “That’s a lie,” Dodik said when asked about claims the arrest was politically motivated. “These things don’t happen unless a prosecutor gives the order. I’ve seen Prosecutor Bajić and others from the prosecution maybe three or four times in my life. I don’t have any regular communication with them.”
Miličević, who also serves as the mayor of Teslić, was detained earlier this week along with two local councillors. Prosecutors allege the trio attempted to buy the political allegiance of an opposition councillor by offering him cash payments totalling 330,000 Bosnian marks (around $183,000). The goal, according to the indictment, was to shift the local assembly majority. Police later reported finding 400,000 marks in cash during a search of Miličević’s residence.
The arrest has drawn strong criticism from opposition parties, who described it as political persecution and a form of retribution. However, Dodik insisted the case did not serve the interests of the ruling coalition. “Politically, this was not convenient for us at all. If I were acting out of hatred or spite, why would I choose this moment?” Dodik said, adding that if the case had been staged, “it wouldn’t have ended this way.”
Dodik further dismissed claims that his government exerts pressure on the judiciary. “I’ve never contacted any judges or prosecutors, and I do not allow my associates to do so,” he said. “If the prosecution issued an order, the police had to act accordingly.”
Meanwhile, Miličević, who was released after a court denied the prosecution’s request for pre-trial detention, addressed supporters on Saturday in Banja Luka. He called for unity and described his arrest as an attempt to silence the voice of reform. “This is the beginning of the end of a failed government,” he said. “The spirit of freedom is stronger than any pressure.”
Miličević announced plans to form a “shadow government” made up of professionals, civil society representatives, and citizens. He pledged to restore trust in institutions and promote social justice. “This is not a time for divisions or political amateurs. It is time for unity and structural change,” he told supporters, calling on “honest people” across society to join the movement.
Prosecutors maintain their investigation is ongoing. No formal charges have yet been filed.