Bosnian prosecution lifts arrest warrant for Serb leader Dodik

ISTANBUL

The Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina lifted an arrest warrant Friday that was issued for Milorad Dodik, president of Republika Srpska (RS), one of the country’s two entities, who was charged with "threatening the constitutional order," according to media reports.

Dodik appeared at the Prosecutor’s Office accompanied by his lawyer to give a statement.

The office subsequently lifted the arrest and detention orders, warning that the arrest warrant would be reinstated if Dodik continued with his separatist rhetoric.

What led to tension in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina had sentenced Dodik, known for his separatist rhetoric, to one year in prison and a six-year political ban for "failing to comply with the decisions of the Office of the High Representative (OHR)."

Immediately following the ruling, the National Assembly of Republika Srpska (NSRS) banned the operations of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Court and the State Investigation and Protection Agency within RS territory.

The Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, overturned those decisions.

Despite repeated warnings, Dodik continued with his separatist agenda, announcing that a so-called new Constitution would be discussed in the RS assembly, including controversial provisions such as "the right to self-determination" and the "formation of an RS army."

The Prosecutor’s Office subsequently issued a domestic arrest warrant for Dodik on charges of "threatening the constitutional order."