Union Sends Demands to Authorities: Urgently Finalize SIPA Leadership Appointments, State Security is Threatened!

(Patria) - The Trade Union of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), with the aim of expressing deep concern due to serious threats to the lawful and professional work of SIPA police officers, as well as due to the long-term institutional deadlock in the appointment of the Agency's leadership, today sent demands to the Parliamentary Committee for Defense and Security and the Independent Board.

Demand sent to the Parliamentary Committee for Defense and Security

The Trade Union of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) hereby expresses serious concern regarding recent events related to the actions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska - East Sarajevo Police Administration, which resulted in the filing of criminal charges against seven SIPA police officers.

According to the statement from the East Sarajevo Police Administration, our officers are accused of the criminal offenses of unlawful deprivation of liberty and abuse of official position. However, we emphasize that these officers acted exclusively in accordance with the law and upon the order of the competent prosecutor's office, acting professionally, conscientiously, and within their authority prescribed by the Law on SIPA and the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The fact that the officers' names were published by initials in the public is particularly concerning, exposing them to additional pressure, stigmatization, and potential threats to their personal safety. Such actions contribute to the politicization of the work of police bodies and undermine the principles of legality and professional independence.

In this regard, the SIPA Trade Union addresses you with the request that, within your competencies, you take measures and initiate activities that will ensure:

- Protection of the legality of the actions of SIPA police officers;

- Prevention of political and institutional pressure on the work of police bodies;

- Preservation of the professional integrity and reputation of BiH security institutions;

- Determination of the circumstances under which SIPA officers are subjected to criminal charges despite acting lawfully upon the prosecutor's order.

In addition to the above, we take this opportunity to point out the urgent need for the State Investigation and Protection Agency to finally have a complete and legitimate leadership. Therefore, the Trade Union demands:

- that you request the Independent Board of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH to urgently finalize the competition procedure and submit the ranking list for the election of the Deputy Director of SIPA;

- that you request the Minister of Security of BiH, in accordance with the law, to propose the appointment of the Director and Deputy Director of SIPA, in order to enable the Agency functional and stable leadership, which is of key importance for its effective and independent operation.

The delay in appointments further destabilizes the Agency's work and leaves room for political influence, which is unacceptable in the context of protecting the rule of law and the security of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The SIPA Trade Union remains firmly committed to the fight for a professional, politically independent, and lawful police service, and in this spirit, we call on you, the Parliamentary Committee, to stand in defense of our members and support the demands for functional and lawful leadership of SIPA.

Demand sent to the Independent Board of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH

"The Trade Union of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) hereby addresses you with a clear and justified request to undertake all legally prescribed actions within your competence in the shortest possible time to finalize the procedure for electing the Deputy Director of SIPA.

For a considerable period, SIPA has been functioning without an appointed Director and Deputy Director, which seriously jeopardizes the institutional stability, operational efficiency, and strategic direction of the Agency. As an institution whose competencies are directly related to the appointment and monitoring of the work of management staff in police structures, the Independent Board has a key responsibility to enable the lawful and timely appointment of the heads of this agency.

In this regard, we demand:

- That you urgently finalize the competition procedure for the election of the Deputy Director of SIPA, in accordance with current regulations, and submit proposals to the Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina;

- That, in cooperation with the Ministry of Security of BiH, you contribute to the appointment of the complete leadership of SIPA – Director and Deputy, in order to avoid further institutional blockage and enable legitimate and stable management of the Agency.

The absence of appointed leadership creates space for political and institutional pressures, hinders key decision-making, and jeopardizes internal and state security. Furthermore, it leaves employees without clearly defined directions of action and the support that lawful management should provide.

The SIPA Trade Union appeals to the Independent Board to act in accordance with its competencies and enable the fulfillment of legal conditions for the unimpeded functioning of the Agency."