Bosnia Removes Separatist Leader Dodik Amid Legal Battle

Bosnia's Central Electoral Commission removed Milorad Dodik as president of the Serb entity following a jail sentence upheld by an appeals court. Dodik, a key separatist figure, refutes the ruling and vows to maintain his position, challenging the legal decision with the support of Serbia and Hungary.

In a significant political development, Bosnia's electoral authorities have stripped controversial leader Milorad Dodik of his role as president of the Serb entity. This follows a court ruling that sentenced him to one year in jail and imposed a six-year ban on political activities, reported Al Jazeera. The Central Electoral Commission's (CEC) decision comes in the wake of an appeals court in Bosnia and Herzegovina upholding a verdict from February, which charged Dodik with non-compliance with the international envoy overseeing the 1995 peace accords.

Speaking to reporters, CEC member Suad Arnautovic detailed the legal framework mandating the removal of any official sentenced to more than six months in prison. Arnautovic indicated that the decision would be enacted after the expiration of the appeals period, with a new election for the Serb Republic presidency scheduled within 90 days. Meanwhile, Dodik's legal team plans to challenge the ruling in the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Dodik, however, remains defiant. Writing on X, he emphasized his unwillingness to surrender, pledging to continue his presidential duties with the backing of the Bosnian Serb parliament. The Bosnian Serb government has denounced the court's decision as unconstitutional and politically motivated. International support for Dodik has emerged from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. At the same time, the European Union has insisted the verdict is binding, highlighting tensions in Bosnia's EU membership bid hampered by Dodik's separatist actions and pro-Russian alignment.

(With inputs from agencies.)