Court of BiH: Arrest of Miletić casts shadow on the reputation of this institution

Following the arrest of Court of BiH judge Azra Miletić, this judicial institution issued a statement to the public.

- Last night, 25.02.2015, judge of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina Azra Miletić was deprived of her liberty and taken to the SIPA premises on grounds of suspicion that she committed the criminal offense of accepting bribes and other forms of benefit, as well as violation of law by a judge. At this moment, in the interest of the investigation, no further information can be provided.

These are certainly disturbing findings given that Judge Miletić performs a highly responsible function in a judicial institution at the state level. Although it is a matter of grounds for suspicion, and not established guilt, i.e., a phase of the proceedings in which the presumption of innocence of the suspect applies, we believe that the existing situation in itself casts a shadow on the reputation of our institution and may shake citizens' faith in the judiciary.

Therefore, the Court of BiH assures all citizens that all persons, regardless of the position they hold in any institution, will be held accountable before the law and will in no way be shielded from responsibility. The Court of BiH will distance itself from any individuals who, through dishonorable actions, could call into question the integrity of other holders of judicial office and the reputation of our institution that we have been building for years.

We reiterate that at this stage of the proceedings, Judge Miletić is not accused but suspected of committing a criminal offense, and an investigation is being conducted against her.

Today's case is an indicator of the commitment of state judicial institutions and their readiness to deal with corrupt practices even within their own ranks, equally as in all other spheres of society. Therefore, we state in advance to all those who will try to use the situation in which our Court finds itself as an argument to discredit it, that we reject such claims, and we believe that today's case is precisely a sign of the institutional maturity of this court, as well as readiness to fight corruption in the judiciary.

The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina calls on all institutions to, in the general fight against corruption, first deal with it within their own ranks and speak publicly about it. In this way, we call on and encourage citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to report to the competent authorities any knowledge of any form of corruption, so that we can jointly fight against the scourge that has engulfed the entire society.