The Ombudsman for Human Rights of BiH, Nevenko Vranješ, has expressed grave concern over the BiH Court’s decision to continue proceedings against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, who recently underwent a complex surgical procedure and is currently recovering at home with fresh wounds and stitches. According to Vranješ, the decision disregards Dodik’s inability to travel over 600 kilometers and participate in a criminal trial under his current health condition.
Key concerns raised by Vranješ
Vranješ questioned the rationale behind the court’s urgency, asking whether the case against Dodik involves detention-worthy allegations, poses a threat to public order, or risks witness tampering. He emphasized that none of these justifications apply in Dodik’s situation, making the court’s decision unfounded.
“Illness is beyond human control, and everyone has the right to adequate medical care and recovery,” said Vranješ, underscoring the fundamental human right to health and life, which should be inviolable worldwide.
Violation of human rights
Vranješ characterized the court’s actions as tantamount to torture and inhumane treatment, contravening numerous domestic and international legal frameworks. These include:
- The BiH Constitution
- The UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 5)
- The European Convention on Human Rights (Articles 3 and 6.3)
“The president of Srpska is being subjected to a coerced judicial process that amounts to torture, which is prohibited and strictly regulated in any civilized society,” Vranješ stated.
Flawed medical assessment
Vranješ also criticized the reliance on a single medical expert who did not examine Dodik personally. He argued that this undermines the objectivity of the medical findings and the validity of the court’s decision to proceed with the trial.
“The decision raises serious doubts about the impartiality and legality of the judicial process and represents a blatant violation of President Dodik’s fundamental human rights, including the right to a fair trial and effective legal remedy,” he added.
Call for adherence to human rights
Vranješ concluded that the court’s actions compromise the core values of modern, civilized societies. He called for immediate rectification to uphold Dodik’s human rights and ensure the fairness and legality of the judicial proceedings.
Source: RTRS
