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.”