Dodik after the second-instance verdict: The decision is political, the institutions of Republika Srpska will determine further steps

(Patria) - After the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed the first-instance verdict against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, his lawyers responded, announcing an appeal to the Constitutional Court of BiH, and then to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Support for Dodik was expressed by the highest officials of the entity, as well as BiH Presidency member Željka Cvijanović, stating that it is a politically motivated decision and an attack on Republika Srpska.

BiH Presidency member Željka Cvijanović stated that it is a "judicial consequence of the fact that a foreigner can impose laws," emphasizing that the outcome of the verdict, as in the first-instance proceedings, is politically motivated.

President of the National Assembly of RS Nenad Stevandić said that "the verdict shows that others do not care about peace," adding that RS has its own institutions and will "prescribe modes of action." He pointed out that "the attempt to discredit Dodik only further strengthens his rating" and stated that they are confident they have the support of the people.

Addressing the public, Milorad Dodik said that this outcome did not surprise him.

– According to the Dayton Agreement, neither the Court nor the Prosecutor's Office of BiH exist, nor does the High Representative with the authority to pass laws. This verdict is a political decision, and the Court of BiH is a political institution. In my defense, we clearly showed that the decree was signed before the law came into force – said Dodik.

He particularly criticized High Representative Christian Schmidt, calling him a "jinx who creates chaos in BiH" and claiming that foreigners are creating an atmosphere of conflict.

– Here, they are not judging me as an individual, but the entire Republika Srpska. I have not committed any criminal offense. The institutions of RS will determine their positions, and I will accept any decision of the NSRS. I do not accept this verdict – said Dodik.

He claims that the judicial process against him was political, and that everyone involved in the process, from the prosecutor to the judges, were Bosniaks.

– We will protect the interests of RS and peace. Our decisions will be political, just as this verdict was political – Dodik stated, adding that he will continue to perform his duties until the National Assembly of RS decides otherwise.

"No gun will fire here," Dodik emphasized.

Finally, he called on the citizens of Republika Srpska to remain calm and united around the institutions of RS, thanking the opposition PDP for its stance that it will not participate in any potential elections, if they are called based on the verdict. I call on the police to prevent any voting if early elections are called.

Dodik added that RS will not be left without support.

– We expect support from Serbia and Russia, we will also write to the new U.S. administration – he said, emphasizing that RS is ready to consider its further institutional and political path, noting that this is the end of RS's participation in EU integrations.

He also stated that he will suspend all contact with the European Union and embassies of EU member states.