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Principal Deputy High Representative Raffi Gregorian
met today with a delegation of Transparency International BiH, consisting of
Executive Director Srđan Blagovčanin, Executive Board member Emir Đikić and
Programme Manager Bojan Stančević.
The Executive Director informed PDHR Gregorian that Transparency
International BiH continues to be the subject of public attacks by Republika
Srpska officials, including the alleged claim that its staff are engaged in
racketeering and organised crime.
PDHR expressed full support for Transparency International BiH’s request for
any such allegations to be handled by an independent judiciary, in accordance
with principles of due process and impartiality.
“Transparency International BiH has never been contacted by police,
questioned, or served any notice by the courts. There have been repeated
announcements by representatives of the RS Government of legal action against
the organisation, which have never resulted in concrete action. If anyone
believes that there is a civil or criminal case to be answered, it should be
done through the courts, and not public statements”, Gregorian said.
PDHR stressed that attacks on independent civil society actors are
inconsistent with democratic practice and the rule of law. “Instead of engaging
in potentially libellous attacks against the staff of Transparency International
BiH, all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina should work on improving
governance, and enhancing transparency and civil society participation in public
life.”
Upon the request of PIC Steering Board members, OHR will follow further
developments closely and in the context of the wider political situation in
Bosnia and Herzegovina, in line with the last PIC Communiqué, which reminded
political leaders and the authorities of “the need to fulfil the second
condition, a positive assessment of the situation in BiH by the PIC Steering
Board based on full compliance with the Dayton Peace Agreement.”
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