Interpol Issues Warrants for Republika Srpska Leaders Amid Crisis

Interpol has issued international arrest warrants for Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, and Nenad Stevandic, Speaker of the Republika Srpska Parliament, following accusations of undermining Bosnia and Herzegovina's constitutional order. These warrants were disseminated to Interpol member states by the organization's Balkan office; however, they await approval from the Interpol General Secretariat. ​

The charges stem from actions by Dodik and Stevandic to enact laws limiting the authority of Bosnia's state-level judiciary and law enforcement agencies within Republika Srpska, a Serb-majority entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These legislative moves have been interpreted by Bosnian prosecutors as an "attack on the constitutional order," leading to the issuance of arrest warrants earlier this month. ​

This development follows a Sarajevo court's sentencing of Dodik to a one-year prison term for obstructing decisions made by Bosnia's constitutional court and defying the authority of international envoy Christian Schmidt. Dodik has dismissed these charges as politically motivated and has refused to recognize the court's authority, stating he will not comply with its rulings within Republika Srpska. ​

The issuance of arrest warrants has heightened political tensions in the region. Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin has asserted that Belgrade will prevent the detention of Republika Srpska's top officials, describing Sarajevo's actions as a "continuous attempt at revenge" against Dodik and the Serbian people. Additionally, Russia has condemned Dodik's conviction, labeling it an "absolutely political" decision that could destabilize the Balkans. ​

As the situation unfolds, concerns are mounting about the potential for increased instability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the broader Balkan region. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Dayton Agreement and maintaining peace in the area.