President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, stated in his closing argument before the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina that the case against him is a classic abuse of justice and that he is prepared to go all the way in the political struggle.
Describing the case as politically motivated, Dodik remarked, “I wish the Prosecutor’s Office had brought Schmidt instead of me, as he is the one violating the Constitution. But this situation could create even bigger problems.”
“I am not making threats, but I am ready to go all the way in this political battle,” Dodik emphasized.
He pointed out that he is the only person in Europe being tried for a criminal offense that was not adopted by parliament but imposed through a unilateral decision. He reminded that laws can only be passed by parliaments and cannot be altered by decrees.
“No one can be prosecuted for a criminal offense based on a decision rather than a law. There is no law prescribing the criminal offense for which I am being tried,” Dodik asserted.
Even if Christian Schmidt had made a legally sound decision, Dodik argued that the general legal conditions required to establish guilt do not exist in this case.
He accused the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina of violating the Constitution by bringing an indictment in what he called the most absurd case, claiming that the entire process is designed to remove him from the political scene.
Dodik characterized the case as a “classic abuse,” calling it a farce, an absurd and complex trial, emphasizing that he acted in accordance with the Constitution of Republika Srpska and, consequently, the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- “It is shameful that the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina is defending Schmidt against me, a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Dodik said, questioning in whose name the Prosecutor’s Office operates and why they fear foreign officials.
Dodik explained that the dispute is constitutional, political, and international-legal in nature but in no way a criminal matter.
He argued that the Prosecutor’s Office should have worked to establish the factual background, noting that he does not personally forward signed decrees to Službeni Glasnik but instead returns them to the General Secretary of the National Assembly.
- “The act we are being accused of did not come from the legislature but from a decision made by Schmidt, who was not appointed in accordance with Annex 10,” Dodik noted, adding that even if Schmidt had been appointed, he would still lack the authority to enact laws.
Dodik referenced numerous legal experts who have stated that the prosecution’s case lacks merit and criticized the expedited nature of the trial.
He recalled expert witness Haris Vranić, who, he said, insulted him by comparing him to some of the worst figures of the 20th century.
“That man deliberately interpreted things the way he did,” Dodik commented.
He stressed that the proceedings have been conducted with a prejudicial tone that has been evident throughout.
Responding to statements by Judge Sena Uzunović that the case is directed against an individual, Dodik asserted that he is in the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina solely because he is the President and acted in accordance with the Constitution.
He thanked the prosecutors for confirming this in their closing arguments, emphasizing that he represents the 300,000 people who voted for him.
Dodik reaffirmed that Republika Srpska is a party to the Dayton Agreement and that his actions were taken to protect its interests.
He stated that he signed the decree without recognizing the decisions of foreign officials, adding that, as a “child of Kozara,” he sees it as a matter of pride—especially because it involves a German official.
“My perception is crucial to my decisions. When a German comes here to lecture us Serbs, to me, he is an adversary,” Dodik declared.
He emphasized that he is before the Court as someone representing Republika Srpska but that being placed in the category of a criminal is humiliating.
Dodik expressed satisfaction that Judge Uzunović stated she would consider legal facts in this case and noted that he has no problem with that. He added that he believes in her professional competence.
Source: RTRS
