HJPC participates in preparation of new Law on HJPC, procedure for election of chief prosecutors and court presidents continues

(Patria) - The High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Council/HJPC BiH) is involved in the preparation of the text of the Law on HJPC BiH through participation in the working group formed by the Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the HJPC responded to Patria's question.

However, when asked whether they are aware of the intentions of certain political parties and groups seeking changes to the method of filling positions and the structure of the HJPC, and what substantive changes these would be compared to the current law, the HJPC responded:

"The application of the Law on HJPC BiH from 2004 (with amendments up to 2024) has raised many issues that will be subject to consideration in the work of the working group. Given that meetings and active work of this group are ongoing, we are unable to provide you with information on any final solutions," stated the HJPC.

They also did not answer the question of whether the Law on HJPC will be amended again due to the postponement of the deadline for establishing the Integrity Department.

Regarding the ruling of the Court of BiH which invalidated certain provisions of the Rules of Procedure, the HJPC stated that the competition announced on January 15, 2024, will be conducted based on the provisions of the Rules of Procedure that were in effect at the time of the competition's closure.

"At its session held on March 20 and 21, 2024, considering the ruling of the Court of BiH number S1 3 U 047188 24 Usoz, the Council concluded that the public competition for vacant positions in the judiciary of BiH announced on January 15, 2024, will be conducted based on the provisions of the HJPC BiH Rules of Procedure that were in effect at the time of the competition's closure," they stated.

The competition was announced for 19 leadership positions, 54 judges and prosecutors, and nine legal associates. Among these positions are six positions of chief prosecutors of the Prosecutor's Office of the Sarajevo Canton, Prosecutor's Office of the Tuzla Canton, Prosecutor's Office of the Una-Sana Canton, chief prosecutor of the Cantonal Prosecutor's Office of Sarajevo Canton, chief prosecutor of the District Public Prosecutor's Office in Banja Luka, chief prosecutor of the District Public Prosecutor's Office in Doboj, chief prosecutor of the District Public Prosecutor's Office in East Sarajevo, and nine court presidents.