SIPA 'staged arrest', prosecutor 'prevented by rain from attending': Crisis in BiH escalating into anarchy

By: Amina Čorbo-Zećo

In the shadow of the High Representative Christian Schmidt's decision to suspend funding for political parties SNSD and United Srpska from public revenues, the public's attention was drawn last night to the attempt by inspectors of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) to execute an order from the BiH Prosecutor's Office and apprehend the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik.

Namely, only five SIPA inspectors arrived in front of the RS Government building in East Sarajevo. One of them conspicuously carried a folder in his hand, while at the same time they were met by members of the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (SAJ) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, armed with long guns. Their presence was a clear demonstration of force, and SIPA inspectors were prevented from approaching the entity president.

The question arises – who made the decision for precisely these inspectors to go on such a mission and by whose order?

SIPA told the Patria agency that the decision was made by the leadership:

"The decision to act on the order of the BiH Court was made by the leadership of the State Investigation and Protection Agency – SIPA," they stated for NAP.

They also added that the acting prosecutor was informed of everything. However, unlike similar situations in the past, he did not appear on the scene last night. Let's recall – during the arrest of Živko Budimir in the BiH Presidency building, prosecutors Oleg Čavka and Dijana Kajmaković were present. Also, in the FBiH Government building, during the search in the Fadil Novalić case, Džermin Pašić and Mirza Hukeljić were present along with SIPA members.

Therefore, it is not unusual for a prosecutor to be present. Last night, however, that was not the case. Perhaps the scene from the location – unlike previous ones – was "undesirable"?

SIPA emphasizes that the prosecutor is not obliged to be present, as the activities were agreed upon in advance and precisely described in the order:

"Besides personal presence, there are other forms of communication and coordination with prosecutors regarding police activities," the Agency stated.

However, the question remains: if it was previously assessed that the apprehension of Milorad Dodik was high-risk, how is it possible that only a few inspectors were sent to the scene, without sufficient protection and support?

SIPA responds:

"SIPA, respecting legal regulations, makes operational decisions on when and how to act in specific and all other cases."

Nevertheless, after all, a bitter feeling and suspicion about the real intentions of the "operation" itself remain. Did they really try to apprehend Dodik? Or was the goal merely to formally "show up" and be – as expected – obstructed?

Because, if there had been a serious intention, it could have been done earlier. Without a spectacle, but with effect. Folders in hand – and off to Banja Luka.

The story that the MUP of Republika Srpska was also "incriminated" by this also seems like a weak excuse. That same MUP has already been incriminated by not acting on the warrant from the BiH Court, which specifically concerns Milorad Dodik.

The silence of the BiH Prosecutor's Office today is also particularly significant. The public has still not received an answer – has the investigation been expanded to other high-ranking officials, besides Milorad Dodik, Nenad Stevandić, and Radovan Višković?

While Schmidt is making unprecedented moves, the political and institutional crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina is entering a new, dangerous phase. And the public rightly seeks answers – not only from the international community but also from domestic institutions that, at least on paper, still have jurisdiction.