Transparency International wrote to the Peace Implementation Council: With what money is Schmidt financing lawyers from London in the 'Kovačević' case?

“We take this opportunity to ask the members of the PIC (Peace Implementation Council) to monitor the High Representative's proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights and to ensure transparency of information related to the costs and sources of funding for the services that Blackstone Chambers provides to the High Representative for intervention in the 'Kovačević' case before the ECtHR. This is crucial for uncovering any potential influences on his decisions and the interests represented in this case,” states the letter that Transparency International (TI) sent to the members of the PIC this week.

Sources from the OHR Investigation state that Transparency International (TI) has expressed deep concern over the interference of High Representative Christian Schmidt in the work of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in the case of Slaven Kovačević, and Schmidt's criticisms of the Constitutional Court of BiH, which he presented in his latest report to the UN Security Council.

They emphasized that the role of the High Representative is to support the peace process, the principles of democracy, and the rule of law, but that his recent statements and actions undermine the independence of key judicial institutions that are essential for the functioning of a democratic society.

“The European Court of Human Rights plays a crucial role in protecting individual rights and ensuring justice across Europe. Any attempt to obstruct its work or undermine its authority is alarming and threatens the very foundations of human rights protection in BiH. Furthermore, criticism of the Constitutional Court raises concerns regarding respect for the legal framework and the sovereignty of BiH's judicial institutions,” the letter states.

They note that the rule of law and judicial independence are the cornerstones of a stable and democratic society, and add that his actions could lead to a loss of public trust in institutions, particularly problematizing the way legal costs are financed for the British company Blackstone.

They called on the members of the PIC to address this issue, demand accountability, and reaffirm the importance of judicial independence in BiH.

“It is essential that the High Representative's actions support, rather than undermine, institutions that are vital for peace and stability in the region,” TI concludes.

We remind you that High Representative Christian Schmidt engaged the British law firm Blackstone to represent him before the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg as part of the proceedings in the case of Slaven Kovačević v. Bosnia and Herzegovina. This law firm stated in a letter to the ECtHR that Schmidt assessed that confirming the verdict in the Kovačević case could destabilize Bosnia and Herzegovina.