The Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CIK BiH) has launched proceedings against Milorad Dodik, following a series of inflammatory statements made during a campaign rally on November 10 in East Sarajevo. Meanwhile, the District Prosecutor’s Office in East Sarajevo says it is still awaiting formal documents from Sarajevo authorities.
Speaking as the leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), Dodik claimed that East Sarajevo must “not allow further Islamization,” adding “we are not the same faith” and that “nobody lies more than a Turk.” He further warned against what he termed “great Muslim nationalism” and the “reincarnation of political Islam.”
Institutional Responses and Legal Proceedings
Multiple complaints were filed to the State Prosecutor’s Office, which passed the matter down to the local office in East Sarajevo as the competent authority. The CIK confirmed that on November 11th, it initiated a legal process over Dodik’s rhetoric, though no decision has been issued yet. A closed session discussing this issue is expected on November 13.
Dodik has offered no apology, despite widespread public and political condemnation. Representatives from SNSD declined to comment.
These developments come amid a tense pre-election atmosphere in Republika Srpska, where early presidential elections are scheduled for November 23, following the annulment of Dodik’s previous mandate and his suspension from public office for six years.
A Pattern of Hate Speech and Legal Complaints
This incident is not the first in which Dodik has targeted Bosniaks. In May, Igor Stojanović, Vice President of the Federation of BiH, filed a criminal complaint over similar remarks. In the past, Dodik has argued that BiH’s stability depends on Bosniaks “returning to the faith of their ancestors,” suggesting a return to a Serb-majority identity.
The State Prosecutor’s Office has declined to comment on the number of ongoing cases involving Dodik.
Experts Warn: “Hate Speech is a Call to Violence”
Legal expert Ifet Feraget argues that the Prosecutor’s Office should have acted promptly and independently:
“Everything was public and documented — if prosecutors don’t react, it becomes a problem of the institution itself.”
Human rights advocate Branko Todorović warns that such rhetoric serves as a direct call to violence, especially by empowering extremists:
“This is a direct invitation to attack, to kill those labeled as threats. It is a mechanism for justifying crimes.”
Legal Framework and Weak Enforcement
According to the BiH Election Law, hate speech is strictly prohibited in campaigns. The 2022 amendments introduced fines of up to 30,000 BAM (€15,000) for violations. Yet, enforcement remains weak.
Criminal codes across BiH allow prison sentences of 3 months to 3 years for inciting national, racial, or religious hatred. Despite this, few cases are processed, often due to insufficient institutional will and political interference.
The SNSD was fined 5,000 BAM in 2024 for similar offenses. Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman has remained silent, despite its mandate to monitor and advocate in cases involving discrimination and hate speech.
Rise of Hate Speech in Political Discourse
A 2024 report by the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) confirms that hate speech remains widespread in BiH, particularly in political contexts, and is seldom prosecuted. Victims include not only ethnic and religious minorities but also Roma, migrants, and the LGBTQ+ community.
ECRI has called for stronger institutional mechanisms to monitor and penalize hate speech, especially during election cycles.
