SDP on Amendments to the Criminal Code: We Will Never Betray Our Persistence in the Fight Against Corruption

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Absolutely considering the reaction of part of the media to the amendments to the Criminal Code of the FBiH concerning influence peddling justified, in a country abundant with such examples from both the political sphere and other segments of society, we want to clearly emphasize that it is unacceptable for such legal amendments to be implemented without the active participation of the Ministry of Justice and the competent judicial institutions, the SDP announced.

- Given that the law did not enter into force with yesterday's vote, and that it is facing a procedure in the House of Peoples of the Parliament of the FBiH, we call on the competent judicial institutions, the HJPC, the academic community, the European Commission, and the legal department of the OHR to clearly define the nature of these amendments, and to dismiss or confirm claims that they represent alignment with the EU acquis and GRECO recommendations.

Among the more than 60 votes cast in favor of the law are the votes of a large number of other political parties, and we want to believe that the media's reaction regarding the role of the SDP is a direct result of trust in our party when it comes to persistence in the fight against corruption, which we have not and will never betray.

We have repeatedly proven through practical examples that we will not give up the fight for justice and a better society, and this is confirmed by our persistence during our term in government to adopt systemic anti-corruption laws, which have been obstructed and practically suspended by the current government for years.

Also, our amendments to the criminal code and constitutional amendments on the non-statute of limitations for privatization crimes, and the ban on pardons for serious criminal offenses, have been sitting in the drawers of the Parliament for years, which shows our clear commitment when it comes to the fight against all forms of crime, but also the attitude of the current government towards this issue.

Finally, if there is no reaction from the HJPC and other institutions, the SDP BiH delegate club in the House of Peoples will be against such amendments to the law and we hope to prevent its final adoption - the SDP points out.