Multiple criminal charges filed against former Director of the Employment Service of Sarajevo Canton

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Employment Service of Sarajevo Canton has been operating without a director since May 7, after the former director Midhat Osmanbegović resigned from his position. The procedure for selecting a new head of this public institution is underway. Several candidates have applied for the position.

According to unofficial information obtained by the Patria agency, a series of criminal charges have been filed against Osmanbegović for abuse of office, as well as for other criminal offenses.

With the help of his associates, Osmanbegović abolished a large number of positions in a very short period, and some employees have filed lawsuits against him.

- All those who did not share his views were punished by having their positions abolished and being reassigned to other positions with reduced salaries – states a Patria source, well-informed about the developments in the Employment Service of Sarajevo Canton, adding that it all seemed like the director was systematically getting rid of people.

During Osmanbegović's tenure as director, 30% of employees were on sick leave for more than half a year.

- For an institution with just over 120 employees, these are alarming figures. People complained about mobbing, some had serious health problems due to stress and mobbing by the director – says this source.

Osmanbegović is criticized for spending a huge amount of money on renovating the Employment Bureau, purchasing air conditioners and other equipment, while there are 65,222 unemployed persons registered in Sarajevo Canton.

Investigative and judicial bodies will have the final say and determine whether Osmanbegović has harmed the Employment Service of Sarajevo Canton and its employees.