The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina will announce its verdict on Milorad Dodik on February 26, Judge Sena Uzunović confirmed today. Dodik, the leader of Republika Srpska, faces charges for defying the decisions of the international high representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the final hearing, Dodik warned the judge about her “great responsibility” in deciding whether to rule based on law or politics. Speaking outside the court, he threatened retaliatory actions, stating that in the event of a conviction, Republika Srpska’s Parliament would take immediate action.
“A guilty verdict could deliver a fatal blow to Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Dodik warned, dismissing the trial as a political conspiracy aimed at removing him from power.
Prosecutor Nedim Ćosić has requested a near-maximum sentence for Dodik and Miloš Lukić, director of Republika Srpska’s Official Gazette, which could amount to up to five years in prison. The prosecution also demands a ten-year ban on holding executive or legislative positions, which would effectively end Dodik’s political career.
