BANJA LUKA UNIVERSITY: SRPSKA PRESIDENT PERSECUTION DIRECT ATTACK ON PEOPLE’S WILL AND THE DAYTON FOUNDATIONS

BANJA LUKA, AUGUST 2 /SRNA/ – The persecution of Republika Srpska President, Milorad Dodik, for implementing the Srpska National Assembly’s decisions constitutes a direct attack on the democratic will of the people and the foundations of the Dayton PeaceAgreement, the University of Banja Luka stated.

The University emphasized its support for President Dodik and condemned the politically motivated decision of the Appellate Panel of the Court of BiH, which upheld the first-instance judgment against the president of Srpska. “We particularly condemn the attempt to destabilize Republika Srpska through the political persecution of its president, as this represents a dangerous step toward dismantling the foundations of democratic institutions, the rule of law, and is a gross violation of human rights,” the University statement reads. The statement adds that the judgment sets a precedent without any basis in the constitutional order, aiming to undermine legitimately elected institutions, threaten political stability, and discredit the top officials of Republika Srpska. Such actions, the University says, are not only unacceptable within a democratic community, but also cause significant harm to the stability and peaceful development of society, calling into question the basic principles of justice, constitutionality, and freedom. The University of Banja Luka called on all relevant institutions, social stakeholders and political representatives to act responsibly and refrain from any political manipulation that could harm the reputation of the community’s top officials and endanger the stability and future of Republika Srpska. The statement emphasizes that respect for legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms is key to preserving the dignity and stability of all institutions in Republika Srpska and BiH in general. The University Banja Luka underlined that responsible action is necessary for the preservation of peace, security, and progress in all aspects of society. “In that context, we also draw attention to the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council /PIC/, which, contrary to the provisions of Annex 10 of the Dayton Peace Agreement and without the approval of the UN Security Council, appointed Christian Schmidt as the so-called High Representative who should be hold responsible for his actions and for the consequences his conduct has on peace, stability, the future, and relations in BiH,” the Banja Luka University says. They emphasized that the University of Banja Luka, as an institution of strategic importance, will continue to support the stability, democracy, and development of Republika Srpska, with full commitment to the principles of truth, justice, and responsibility. The Appellate Division of the Court of BiH confirmed the first-instance judgment against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, sentencing him to one year in prison and a six-year ban from political activity for "non-compliance with the decisions of Christian Schmidt."