Bosniak Caucus in RS Council of Peoples files veto over law envisaging formation of secret service and prosecutor's office

(Patria) - Delegates of the Bosniak Caucus in the Council of Peoples of Republika Srpska have adopted a Decision to initiate protection of the vital national interest of the Bosniak people regarding the Law on Protection of the Constitutional Order of Republika Srpska, which was adopted by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska at its 20th special session.

The Decision of the Bosniak Caucus has been forwarded for further procedure and will be considered at a session of the Council of Peoples of Republika Srpska, once it is scheduled.

The contested law, proposed by entity President Milorad Dodik and adopted under urgent procedure with 50 votes in favor and eight against, envisages the establishment of a Special Prosecutor's Office of Republika Srpska for the protection of the constitutional order of Republika Srpska.

The Special Prosecutor, who would be appointed by the ruling majority in the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, would have the authority to order the arrest of anyone designated by the authorities as a threat to the constitutional order of Republika Srpska.

This law has raised serious concerns among opposition political actors, civil society organizations, and international institutions, as it opens the door for political persecution of dissenters. Critics warn that the law could be used as a tool to suppress freedom of expression and to settle scores with the opposition, media, and non-governmental organizations.

Opposition figure Nebojša Vukanović believes that the authorities plan to introduce repressive measures similar to Stalinist methods through this law, while civil society organizations warned in a joint statement that conditions are being created for the systematic persecution of regime critics.

Additional concern is raised by the possibility that Milan Tegeltija, former President of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina and current advisor to Milorad Dodik, who is on the U.S. blacklist, could become the head of the Special Prosecutor's Office of Republika Srpska.

In addition to the Special Prosecutor's Office, the law also envisages the establishment of a de facto intelligence service of Republika Srpska. The service would be headed by a director appointed by the President of Republika Srpska for a term of five years.