Former President of the Court of BiH: Judiciary began to weaken when handed over to domestic actors

(Patria) - Former President of the Court of BiH Meddžida Kreso, in her commentary on the state of the judiciary for Voice of America, said that what is happening is "the beginning of the end of a judicial era that has plummeted towards the bottom", reports the Patria agency.

The system, according to Kreso, began to weaken the moment the international community decided to hand over the judiciary to domestic actors. Looking back at that time, Kreso is convinced that it was a poor assessment, even though the intentions were good, because it is evident that many are not up to the challenges of the current times to lead the judiciary.

"I think the international community must once again get more energetically involved in solving problems and save what can be saved," says Kreso.

When the judicial reform began in 2001, Kreso returned to the judicial sector, and three years later she was appointed President of the Court of BiH, where she remained for the next 12 years. She believes that it is necessary to change the Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, the umbrella judicial institution in the country.

The current law, she explains, offers council members broad powers that can be misused in cases such as the appointment of judges and prosecutors, evaluation, and bringing in suitable individuals.

The former president of the Court of BiH presented her view on the affair involving the head of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, Milan Tegeltija. It is unacceptable, she says, to have any conversation about cases in a cafe, which, as she believes, was the reason for the discussion among council members because it constitutes a violation of ethical norms.

"No one even thought of trying to talk about it. On the contrary, everyone unanimously gave their support," says Kreso.

She says that the current members of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council are making moves that would mean they should not be in those positions. Kreso drew a parallel with the case of the former Chief Prosecutor of the BiH Prosecutor's Office, Milorad Barašin, who was disciplined with dismissal from his position due to inappropriate contacts.

"Barašin was disciplined for meeting in a cafe with a man suspected of being an arms smuggler, and there was no proceeding against him," says the former president of the Court of BiH.

Amidst all the chaos, as she says, Kreso notices one positive thing, and that is individuals like the judges of the Court of BiH, Branko Perić, who are protesting the current situation which "goes against all principles of an honorable profession".