Western neocolonialism is focused on removing from the political scene an ‘inconvenient leader,’ Zakharova pointed out.

On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that her country rejects the conviction of Milorad Dodik, the secessionist president of Bosnia’s Republika Srpska, who was sentenced to one year in prison and banned from holding political office for six years.

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“We are deeply disappointed with the illegal and undemocratic decision by the Appeals Department of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which on Aug. 1 upheld the previous absurd ruling against President Milorad Dodik,” she said.

The Russian diplomat denounced the criminal proceedings against Dodik as orchestrated by “forces that have nothing to do with justice or with Bosnia and Herzegovina itself, and which are solely focused on removing from the political scene an inconvenient leader who consistently opposes Western neocolonialism.”

Zakharova said Dodik is being prosecuted for “honestly fulfilling his duties in accordance with the Constitution” of his country and for refusing to obey the “pseudo-law” passed by the international high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, a German national. She referred to Schmidt as a “useful idiot” serving the interests of Berlin and London.

She also labeled Schmidt a “usurper,” noting that his appointment was not backed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and that his decisions “contradict the principles of democratic legality, the rule of law, and are legally insignificant — as are the rulings based on them.”

“We firmly express our support for the legitimate authorities of Republika Srpska, whose efforts aim to protect its constitutional status and the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the principles they established,” Zakharova stated.

She concluded by saying that Russia, as a permanent member of the Security Council and a guarantor of the Dayton Accords, “intends to use all political means at its disposal to prevent the escalation of tensions provoked by the West in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

“We call on all parties to restore an atmosphere of understanding and cooperation among the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” she added.

Last Friday, the Appeals Department of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina upheld the sentence handed down in February against Dodik, a politician known for maintaining good relations with Russia.

In 2023, Dodik, the president of the Republika Srpska — one of two entities that make up Bosnia — signed a decree refusing to comply with rulings from Bosnia’s Constitutional Court and decisions by Schmidt, who holds special powers under the Dayton framework.

In response to the sentence, the Bosnian Serb leader announced that he would declare Republika Srpska’s independence if convicted. After the initial verdict, Dodik banned the operations of Bosnia’s judiciary and police in his territory. Additionally, a process was initiated to amend the Constitution, including provisions for independence and possible unification with neighboring states such as Serbia.

These moves were strongly condemned by the European Union, the United States, NATO and several international organizations, while Schmidt described them as an “attack” on the Dayton Peace Agreement.

Dodik has said he will continue serving as president of Republika Srpska and has called on local police and authorities to prevent the possible organization of new presidential elections.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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