After the announcement of the decision by the State Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which sentenced him to one year in prison for disrespecting the decisions of the high international representative, the president of the Republika Srpska entity, Milorad Dodik, has reacted with defiance towards justice.
At a press conference held in Banja Luka, Dodik stated that he has no intention of resigning from office and that he will not allow early elections to be held.
"I will continue to be the president of the Republika Srpska. This is the will of the people and no one can change this with politically orchestrated decisions," Dodik said, calling the trial against him politically motivated.
He stressed that the decision is not yet final and that he will use all legal means to appeal it.
"No decision has legal force until it becomes final," he added.
According to the verdict, if the conviction is confirmed by the appeals court, Dodik will be banned from holding public office for six years, including his current position as president of Republika Srpska. This is stipulated in Article 203a, paragraph 5 of the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Reactions from the opposition and political analysts are divided: some see Dodik's statement as an open challenge to the justice system, while others interpret it as an attempt to strengthen political support at a difficult moment.
If the appeal decision remains in force, the country could face a new institutional crisis, with potential consequences for the political stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. (A2 Televizion)
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