Transparency International files criminal complaint against Dodik

BANJA LUKA, (Patrtia) - Transparency International in Bosnia and Herzegovina (TI BIH) has filed criminal complaints with the Prosecutor's Office of BiH, and district prosecutor's offices in Banja Luka, Bijeljina and Trebinje, against the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, due to statements made in appearances and at party rallies in the previous period, which included threats to pensioners, healthcare workers, RiTE Gacko employees, and other segments of the population, with the aim of influencing voters and gaining support in the elections.

In Mr. Dodik's statements from public gatherings held in Ugljevik, Banja Luka, and Gacko, between September 18 and 22, there are elements of criminal offenses defined by the Criminal Code of RS, relating to coercion, violation of citizens' equality, public incitement and promotion of violence and hatred, bribery in elections and voting, and violation of voters' freedom of choice.

In addition, Article 151 of the Criminal Code of BiH prohibits the use of force, threats, coercion, bribery, or exploiting someone's difficult economic situation to influence voters, and therefore TI BiH, in addition to the district prosecutor's offices competent for criminal offenses committed in Banja Luka, Gacko, and Ugljevik, has also filed a complaint with the Prosecutor's Office of BiH.

- Specifically, Dodik, using his influence as the President of RS, threatened pensioners at public gatherings in the previous period that their one-time aid would be revoked if they did not vote for SNSD, and at the same time stated that the aid was paid so that pensioners could go to the polls and vote for SNSD.

Continuing this practice, at the opening of UKC RS, he also stated that healthcare workers who expressed support for Miodrag Femić, president of the Professional Union of Doctors of Medicine of RS, would not receive the announced salary increase. Another direct threat was directed at RiTE Gacko employees, at an SNSD pre-election rally in that city, that all those who voted for SDS and Vukota Govedarica would be fired - it was announced.

In addition to criminal complaints, TI BIH has also filed a complaint with the Central Election Commission of BiH, for violating the Election Law, under Article 7.3, point 4, which relates to promising monetary rewards or other material benefits to gain voter support or threatening supporters of other political parties, coalitions, lists of independent candidates, and independent candidates.

Video recordings of the controversial statements have been attached to all filed complaints.

- TI BIH calls on the competent institutions to act on the complaints as soon as possible due to the pervasive practice of officeholders using their influence and public presence to directly threaten and promise various benefits, inappropriately and illegally influencing voters' will and exerting pressure to influence elections - it is stated.