Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska (RS) and leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), has been convicted for failing to comply with the decisions of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Christian Schmidt.
The Appeals Chamber of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina has upheld the February 2025 verdict, sentencing him to one year in prison and imposing a six-year ban from holding the office of RS President. He is also prohibited from holding or acquiring any official positions within public institutions. The same ruling acquitted Miloš Lukić, acting director of the Official Gazette of RS, of the same charge.
“I will continue to carry out my duties,” Dodik said at a press conference following the verdict.
No appeal against the ruling is allowed.
However, under current state laws, Dodik may be able to convert the prison sentence into a fine.
The National Assembly of Republika Srpska (RS) passed two laws in June 2023 aimed at preventing the implementation of decisions by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). These laws include the Law on Non-Application of Decisions of the Constitutional Court of BiH and amendments to the Law on the Publication of Laws and Other Regulations of RS.
Despite a ruling by the High Representative blocking these laws from taking effect, Dodik and Lukić signed a decree publishing them in the Official Gazette of RS.
The BiH Criminal Code provides that a ban on holding public office may be imposed on anyone who commits a criminal offence related to their profession, activity, or duty, if there is a risk that remaining in office could encourage further offences.
Additionally, the BiH Election Law requires the removal of a mandate once a conviction becomes final, especially in cases where a ban or termination of official duties has been imposed.
Officials at the Central Election Commission of BiH told journalists from the Centre for Investigative Reporting (CIN) that they will request the final court ruling from the BiH Court to review its content and potentially take action in line with the BiH Election Law.
