President of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Republika Srpska, Rajko Kuzmanović, stated that Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik is one of the most prominent political figures in the Balkans, and that the verdict against him nullifies the democratic will of the people.
“We must conclude that those who are annulling the will of the people either do not know, or refuse to know, what democracy is and what human rights are. They are trying to take from us the most basic thing — that we are no longer a political people. As if we are no longer a real people who can, but are not obliged to, obey what is imposed on us by the ‘great and powerful,’ but morally low and corrupt,” Kuzmanović emphasized.
He added that the decisions and verdicts in this case are a blow to law and democracy itself.
“That is why we must be persistent and firmly reject all these malicious impositions. We must speak loudly: our path is determined by our people and our citizens — not by so-called representatives of the international community or certain countries that have no understanding of democracy, human rights, or what can and cannot be resolved in a sovereign state,” said Kuzmanović.
He stressed that the president of Republika Srpska deserves full support, as he is one of the few who dares and is able to do what many cannot — to defend his people and institutions.
“That is Milorad Dodik — a man who stands in the way of many, but I believe that the time will come when justice, however distant, will prevail — and we will emerge as victors. The Slavic people have never endured without sacrifice, but they have always prevailed,” Kuzmanović added.
He pointed out that the people are making sacrifices every day — through various prosecutions, courts, and decisions by those attempting to take away their electoral rights.
“These may seem like dark clouds over the Balkans and our Republic, but I still see a light at the end of the tunnel. I see our victory. I see that one day we will adopt our own constitution that will unite us and make us stronger,” he emphasized.
Kuzmanović used the opportunity to call on all political actors and organizations to unite and speak with one voice, setting aside all previous divisions.
“I believe that sooner or later, we will become what we truly are — a strong and dignified people. But this state of affairs that has been imposed on us must not and will not last long. The spirit of our people lives and will live on — as a victorious spirit. And I am confident this will happen once again,” Kuzmanović concluded.
Source: RTRS
