High Representative's visit to the HJPC BiH: The integrity of state institutions cannot be negotiated

(Patria) - The High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Christian Schmidt visited the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HJPC BiH) today and spoke with President Sanin Bogunić, Vice-President Sanela Gorušanović Butigan, and permanent member Sedin Idrizović.

The central topics of the visit were the current situation arising from the adoption of the Law on the HJPC of Republika Srpska and other laws by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, the implementation of the Law Amending the Law on the HJPC of BiH related to the establishment of the Department for Verification of Property of Judges and Prosecutors (Department for Conducting Proceedings Based on Reports), and the Draft Law on the HJPC of BiH, which was determined by the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina in early March this year.

In conversation with the representatives of the HJPC BiH, High Representative Schmidt expressed full support for the integrity of the HJPC BiH, judicial institutions at the BiH level, and the judicial system in our country, adding that the integrity of state institutions cannot be negotiated.

President Bogunić thanked the High Representative for visiting the HJPC BiH and for his support of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian judiciary. Regarding the Draft Law on the HJPC of BiH, President Bogunić emphasized the fact that the HJPC BiH is aware that this is a European law and that he believes the new Law on the HJPC of BiH could have quality and long-term solutions.