Does the conclusion Konaković mentioned regarding Galić exist? Council of Ministers of BiH did not consider pension issue

(Patria) - The saga of over three months regarding the dismissal of Zoran Galić, the absconding Deputy Director of SIPA, finally ended at yesterday's session of the Council of Ministers of BiH.

However, it was neither a dismissal nor a termination proposed by the Ministry of Security of BiH, but an early dismissal at his own request, which Galić submitted through his legal team.

Given that the Law on SIPA is clear and provides for several reasons for dismissal, and the Independent Board did not act as the law prescribes, but rather "proposed the possibility of dismissal to the Council of Ministers of BiH, taking into account his request for early dismissal". In the end, the Council of Ministers of BiH dismissed him in that manner.

What does not align in the entire story about Zoran Galić are the different pieces of information disseminated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH, Elmedin Konaković, who stated that Galić was "prevented by a conclusion of the Council of Ministers of BiH from receiving severance pay or other benefits, because a fugitive sought by law enforcement agencies does not deserve benefits".

However, some time later, an official statement regarding the agenda items from the session was sent to the media from the Council of Ministers of BiH.

"The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, upon the proposal of the Ministry of Security, adopted Decisions on the dismissal of Zoran Galić from the position of Deputy Director of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) of Bosnia and Herzegovina, at his personal request, effective July 8, 2024.

The Council of Ministers of BiH did not delve into considering his pension, as there are no proofs and facts that Zoran Galić meets the conditions for a pension.

The Council of Ministers of BiH calls upon the Independent Board of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH to announce a public competition for the vacant position of Deputy Director of the State Investigation and Protection Agency," the statement read.

Therefore, there is no mention in this statement about Konaković's conclusion preventing benefits and severance pay. And it would be unrealistic for ministers from the HDZ, whose cadre Galić is, to support such a conclusion. Otherwise, even if such a conclusion existed, it could not be above the Law and rights defined by law. However, it is very possible that this entire case will have a sequel and that Galić will still file a claim for severance pay.

Otherwise, the Independent Board will hold a session on October 30, and it is possible that they will make a decision on announcing a competition for the Deputy Director of SIPA at that session, given that there is no longer a need to conduct disciplinary proceedings.

The BiH Prosecutor's Office accuses Galić of abuse of office and accepting a bribe while he was the director of the BiH Border Police. He evaded arrest on July 8 and illegally crossed into Croatia. Several individuals were arrested in the same "Kings" operation.