Milorad Dodik continues to serve as the president of Republika Srpska despite the first-instance court ruling sentencing him to one year in prison and a six-year ban from holding office. The decision has yet to take effect as both the prosecution and defense have the right to appeal, reports RFE.
The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina did not impose immediate measures to remove Dodik from office. Instead, under the Bosnian Penal Code, the ban on holding public office only takes effect once the verdict becomes final. If upheld, Dodik would be legally barred from exercising his duties, potentially triggering new elections.
Legal experts indicate that no physical measures will be taken to prevent Dodik from entering government offices. However, if he continues to perform presidential duties after a final verdict, he could face additional imprisonment for violating the ban.
Dodik also has the option to convert his prison sentence into a fine of approximately €18,000 if the ruling remains unchanged. Meanwhile, the political landscape in Republika Srpska remains uncertain as the legal process unfolds.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Following the initial ruling, the court has 30 days to deliver the written verdict to both parties. They then have 15 days—extendable by another 15 upon request—to file an appeal. If the appeal is rejected or the sentence upheld, Dodik will be forced to step down. However, if the verdict is overturned, he will remain in office.
The case stems from Dodik’s refusal to recognize decisions by the High Representative, Christian Schmidt, who annulled unconstitutional laws passed in Republika Srpska. His defiance led to charges under Bosnia’s criminal code, making non-compliance with the High Representative’s rulings a punishable offense.
As legal proceedings continue, the key question remains: Who will enforce the verdict, and how will Republika Srpska’s leadership respond?
