POLITICAL GAMES IN THE POLICE Parties will not interfere in the appointment of Ćulum and Mehmedagić

Written by: A. Čorbo-Zećo

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The proposal that Darko Ćulum be appointed director of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) represents yet another slap in the face of the rule of law in this country, which is clear to every citizen of this country. The group Justice for David interpreted such behavior as a message to the citizens of this country that those who violate the law and basic human rights will be rewarded.

On the other hand, politics has gone a step further. Now they are also seeking the appointment of Osman Mehmedagić as director of the Intelligence and Security Agency!? A clear message has been sent that the police and security sector are not independent of politics, and ultimately, the Minister of Security Fahrudin Radončić (SBB) himself publicly stated that „Ćulum is in the procedure along with some other names and will be discussed when political conditions are met.“

What kind of political conditions are needed to appoint the heads of police agencies!

This was clearly recognized on social networks by Ivana Marić, a commentator on political events in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

„The appointments of the directors of SIPA and OSA only as a package. Or, in translation, it would mean "if you (SDA) let Osmica through, we (SNSD) will give you Ćulum." It doesn't matter that one doesn't have a university degree, and that the other is suspected of abuse of office. Such people suit them best,“ Marić wrote.

Given the unresolved role of Darko Ćulum in the case of the murder of David Dragičević and the fact that international factors have also supported the family and demanded clarification of this case, we asked the U.S. Embassy and the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina how they view these appointments.

The U.S. Embassy said they would not answer such questions because it is a matter of personnel decisions, and that the process is not yet complete, while the OHR was a bit more specific.

„Questions regarding the appointment of officials should be addressed to the competent domestic institutions involved in the selection and appointment process. In accordance with the criteria of the selection process, these institutions should choose the candidate with the highest professional and ethical standards,“ said OHR spokesperson Mario Brkić.

The dynamics of appointing the directors of SIPA and OSA could strain relations within the newly established ruling coalition at the state level. 

This will be a topic for further party consultations. When the appointment of the heads of two very important state institutions will come to the agenda is very uncertain.