Heated debate at the hearing: Džakula defended prosecutor Mijović, how Marinković was not suspended in the Pandora case

(Patria) - The Commission for Combating Corruption of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina is holding a public hearing of the management of the Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH, including the former director, as well as the management of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption and Coordination of the Fight against Corruption of BiH and the Prosecutor's Office of BiH.

During the hearing, the former director of the Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH, Miro Džakula, got into a sharp debate with the members of the Commission. Nenad Grković insisted that Džakula answer what he thinks about prosecutor Vedrana Mijović, who, according to the Commission, received the largest number of complaints and reports. He also pointed out that it is interesting that Mijović and her husband bought five apartments during that period.

Džakula said that he considers Vedrana Mijović a quality prosecutor.

Grković then continued with questions, insisting that Džakula answer whether he hired family members of judicial officials at the Indirect Taxation Authority, to which Džakula reacted heatedly. It was also pointed out that some staff from private faculties came to management positions.

"There are also people with high school education who work better than some with university degrees," said Džakula.

Jasmin Emrić asked Džakula about Goran Marinković, who has held the position of Head of the Customs Department for many years. The question was in the context of Džakula's earlier claims that officials against whom an investigation is being conducted are suspended.

"Please ask me about the period from 2011 to 2023, when I held the position," Džakula replied.

Emrić stated that in 2023, the Prosecutor's Office made a decision to suspend the investigation, even though Marinković was the subject of an investigation in the "Pandora" case, and that despite this, he was not suspended, asking how that was possible.

"The Administration acted exclusively in accordance with the law and regulations. The Indirect Taxation Authority is the best institution in the country. It is not good for its work to be challenged by individuals who should also be psychiatrically examined," Džakula stated.

"False reporting is a criminal offense. When someone calls me a thief, of course I will sue them," Džakula added.