Kovačević: Politics, not law, played a key role in this case

(pATRIA) - After the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights made a decision annulling the first-instance verdict in his favor, Slaven Kovačević also commented.

In his first public reaction, Kovačević expressed disappointment, but also determination to continue the fight for equal rights for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina:

"This decision of the Grand Chamber is not a verdict in the full sense of the word, but an operational conclusion without entering into the merits of the case. This only further confirms how much politics, not law, played a key role in this case. Although the verdict was annulled for procedural reasons, the essential fight continues. The fight for the rights of all citizens, not constituent peoples."

He added that the Court's decision does not change the fact that the existing constitutional system is discriminatory and contrary to fundamental European values:

"Injustice cannot be hidden by procedural tricks. If Europe is home to human rights, then Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot be an exception. I am not giving up."

Kovačević also criticized the domestic authorities, stating that they did not show the political will to stand up for civil rights:

"The authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially at the state level, did not have the courage to stand behind this appeal. Instead, they allowed the HDZ to shape the country's official positions, which is in direct opposition to the interests of all its citizens."

Finally, Kovačević stated that the legal battle does not end with this decision, and that he remains committed to a civic and democratic vision of Bosnia and Herzegovina.