Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national Court has upheld the one-year prison sentence and six-year ban on holding office for Milorad Dodik, the President of Republika Srpska–Bosnia’s Serbia-majority entity–following the appeal court’s confirmation of the conviction
The ruling stems from Dodik’s defiance of decisions made in July 2023 by Bosnia’s High Representative, Christian Schmidt, who had blocked two laws passed by Republika Srpska authorities. The first aimed to prevent the enforcement of national-level Constitutional Court rulings in the Serbian entity, while the second concerned the publication of official acts.
Dodik has stated he will continue his duties despite the verdict. He also expressed his plans to seek support from Serbia, Russia, and the US. Meanwhile, Milos Lukic, co-defendant in the trial and former director of Republika Srpska’s Official Gazette, was acquitted but criticized the ruling.
The final verdict on Dodik cannot be appealed, but under Bosnian law, prison sentences up to one year can be exchanged for a fine.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić already voiced his rejection of the Bosnian Court’s decision, calling it a destabilizing factor and a grave attack against the Serb people of Bosnia. Vučić reaffirmed Serbia’s support for Dodik and the Republika Srpska.