Schmidt in Potočari Despite Dodik's Threats and Bans

(Patria) - High Representative Christian Schmidt visited the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Center today and toured the graveyard of genocide victims.

He did so despite threats from RS President Milorad Dodik that he would be deported if he entered the territory of the smaller BiH entity.

During his visit to the Memorial Center, Schmidt spoke with Director Emir Suljagić, Chairman of the Management and Organizational Board Hamdija Fejzić, and employees about the preparations for the 30th anniversary of the genocide, as well as the current working conditions in this institution.

High Representative Christian Schmidt visited the Potočari Memorial today, where he held discussions with Director Emir Suljagić, Chair of the Governing and Organizational Board Hamdija Fejzić, and the Memorial staff regarding preparations for the 30th anniversary commemoration… pic.twitter.com/APv1SFxu0Q

— OHR BiH (@OHR_BiH) March 26, 2025

RS President Milorad Dodik stated in earlier media interviews that he wanted to deport Schmidt as soon as he entered the territory of the RS.

- You will see how he will be able to enter, he will no longer receive an escort. When we find out he has entered, he will be expelled from the RS. From next week, he will not be able to enter the RS. Let him try - Dodik said last September.

He stated that a decree was being prepared and that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the RS would be ordered to expel him from the territory of the entity.

- We do not respect Schmidt. This morning we are writing a decree on how we will deport him, arrest him when he enters Doboj or when he is in transit, then he will be escorted to pass as quickly as possible. But, if he comes to a meeting in the RS, he will be expelled - Dodik announced.