IS IT TOO LATE? Investigation against Stevandić: How the BiH Prosecutor's Office acts only when cornered

By: Amina Čorbo-Zećo

The Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently conducting an investigation into war crimes in the area of Kotor Varoši, in which, according to information confirmed to the media, several individuals are under investigation. Among them is the current president of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska (NSRS), Nenad Stevandić. This politician, who has previously been linked to wartime events in the former Yugoslavia, now faces serious accusations for his role in crimes committed during the 1992 war.

According to witness testimonies, Stevandić, along with Danko Kajkut, was involved in the abuse of a civilian in a garage in June 1992, which is mentioned in the current investigation by the BiH Prosecutor's Office. The witness claims that Stevandić and Kajkut physically assaulted him, which represents a serious indication for further investigation into his responsibility for war crimes during that period.

These new findings come in the context of a broader analysis of his role in the political and intelligence structure of Republika Srpska, which was under the control of high political figures at the height of the war. Stevandić was, in fact, a member of the Serbian intelligence service (RDB) and, according to earlier documents published by Patria, was directly involved in operations related to the removal of high military and political leaders, including General Tolimir. In operation "Juda", Stevandić was tasked with gathering intelligence, while at the same time being in close contact with key political leaders of Republika Srpska, such as war criminals Radovan Karadžić and Momčilo Krajišnik.

Furthermore, a highly confidential document from 1995 states that Stevandić was capable of organizing support for moderate factions within the SDS, thereby seeking to secure political power and influence within the party itself. This information confirms that Stevandić was a key figure within the political and intelligence apparatus of Republika Srpska, which had deep connections to wartime events – war crimes.

However, the current political context in which Stevandić finds himself is far different from wartime. As president of the NSRS, he still holds a significant political position and influence, which further complicates the legal and political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite often making controversial public statements in past years, including claims about war crimes, Stevandić remains very active on the political scene.

The current investigation by the BiH Prosecutor's Office may bring new, crucial information about his role in war crimes, but I cannot shake the impression that it is all coming too late.

Given his position, as well as the political power he holds in Republika Srpska, it will be interesting to follow how the investigation develops and what consequences it will have on his political career, as well as on the entire political landscape in BiH.

Since they do not recognize the BiH Prosecutor's Office, it is unlikely that anything concrete can be expected! After all, concrete matters, unfortunately, are reserved only for members of the Army of RBiH and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of RBiH, who are mostly indicted, and then indiscriminately confirmed by the BiH Court.

Stevandić should have been the subject of investigations in the context of war crimes long ago; if prosecutors had only read the media, they could have found out. As it is, this is another proof of prosecutorial weakness, that they only act when they are truly cornered.