Srpska Republic parliament asks Dodik to delay court appearance

Dec 25, 2024 - The parliament of Bosnia's Republic of Srpska has called for Milorad Dodik, the region’s pro-Russian president, to delay his court appearance until he has fully recovered from recent surgery.

The National Assembly passed a resolution on December 24, urging Dodik not to respond to a summons from the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina while he is still recovering. The resolution represents a softer stance compared to an earlier draft, which had proposed that Dodik refuse to attend any court hearings related to ongoing legal challenges.

Dodik is currently under investigation for his role in reinstating two laws in the Republic of Srpska, which had been annulled by Bosnia’s High Representative, Christian Schmidt. He is facing charges of undermining Bosnia’s constitutional order and disregarding international rulings.

Dodik’s defense team has argued that he will need several months to recover from surgery. However, a court-appointed expert has stated that Dodik is fit to attend court sessions, raising questions about the timing of his legal battles.

This resolution comes amid growing tensions between the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia's central government, particularly over Dodik's legal battles. The president has long opposed the authority of Bosnia’s central institutions, including the High Representative, and has resisted efforts to uphold decisions made by the international community. His legal troubles have further strained relations, with Dodik facing charges for defying rulings that impact Bosnia's constitutional framework.

In addition to the request for Dodik to delay his court appearance, the National Assembly has also called for a suspension of decision-making in Bosnia's joint institutions until the charges against Dodik and others are dropped. This decision could have significant consequences for the country’s political stability.

Dodik has been under U.S. sanctions since 2017 for obstructing the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, and additional sanctions were imposed in 2022 for alleged corruption and his efforts to undermine Bosnia’s constitutional structure.