POSKOK Departments Opened: Nikšić Says Everyone Should Be Equal Before the Law

(Patria) - The official launch of the Special Department of the Supreme Court of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Corruption, Organized and Inter-Cantonal Crime, as well as the Special Department of the Federal Prosecutor's Office of FBiH for Combating Corruption, Organized and Inter-Cantonal Crime, was marked today in Sarajevo.

The President of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of BiH, Sanin Bogunić, who, together with the Federal Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić, the President of the Supreme Court of FBiH Vesna Stanković-Ćosović, and the Chief Federal Prosecutor Munib Halilović, cut the ribbon, emphasized the importance of this moment for the BiH judiciary.

“Today we are at a significant turning point in the further development of the judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina. By launching the special departments, we are finally witnessing the operationalization of one of the key legal solutions in the fight against organized crime and corruption. This is the result of years of effort with the support of the Government of the Federation and international partners. Today is a concrete answer to a question that has been unanswered for too long – when will the law from 2014 finally begin to be applied?”

Bogunić pointed out that these departments represent a step forward in strengthening the fight against organized crime and corruption, and that they will be tasked with processing the most complex cases of high-level corruption, financial crime, and other serious offenses.

“The departments bring together experienced judges, prosecutors, expert associates, and investigators, and they are expected to demonstrate institutional courage and professionalism. This is a step towards fulfilling the European Commission's recommendations in combating impunity at the highest levels. The HJPC will provide them with continuous support to preserve their independence and functionality.”

The Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH, Nermin Nikšić, expressed his satisfaction that his government participated in creating the prerequisites for opening the special departments.

“The Government of FBiH contributed by planning and equipping the premises. The role of politics is to create an environment in which the judiciary can do its job unhindered. We should not interfere in their work, but rather enable all conditions for an independent and impartial approach to every case.”

Nikšić recalled that the law establishing these departments was adopted back in 2014:

“I share the disappointment that ten years have passed until the establishment of the departments, but I also feel pride that I led the government that enabled their launch, both then and now. We should not place too much burden on these people, but we should expect everyone to be equal before the law.”

He concluded that the Government of the Federation will continue to work on creating better working conditions, and praised the Civil Service Agency and all partners who contributed to the departments starting their work today.

The Chief Federal Prosecutor, Munib Halilović, pointed out that these departments are not yet fully staffed, and that some public procurements and filling of vacant positions are underway.

Security checks are underway for those who have already become POSKOK employees.