Wednesday’s verdict marked the first time since the bloody 1992-1995 conflict in the former Yugoslavia that local courts — rather than the OHR — have moved to rein in Dodik, raising fears of violent escalation in a country where ethnic tensions still shape politics and institutions hesitate to challenge corrupt nationalist leaders.
In a statement following the conviction, the court stressed it had faced “significant pressure from the public and political actors,” underscoring the precarious precedent set by the verdict.
Bosnia is held together by an internationally brokered peace deal, known as the Dayton Accords, which later became the country’s constitution. The pact grants extensive powers and protections to all its ethnic groups.
Law enforcement was out in force in Sarajevo, the capital, while Dodik’s supporters protested in the regional capital of Banja Luka, with some camping out overnight.
Dodik — who has several other active cases against him for genocide denial and unconstitutional actions — seemed jovial after the verdict.
“We must be cheerful,” he said in a statement. “They say that I am guilty … there’s no reason to worry.” His insouciance highlighted — as it has on many occasions — that he does not recognize the court’s authority.
