High Representative Appoints Toby Robinson PBSS Liquidator

The High Representative, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, today appointed Toby Robinson liquidator of Privredna Banka Srpsko Sarajevo.

“I have consistently been impressed with the diligent and courageous way in which Toby Robinson has tackled complex financial crimes in this country,” the High Representative said in making the appointment. “She has had to become involved in cases where the level of intimidation has been so severe that it has prevented the appropriate domestic authorities from dealing with the issue.”

“I have every confidence in her and feel certain that she will once again bring her considerable skills to bear in this important task.”

Ms Robinson has worked in Bosnia and Herzegovina for more than five years as provisional administrator of both Hercegovačka Banka and Privredna Banka Srpsko Sarajevo.

She has been called by the Prosecutor to testify in the trial of Momčilo Mandic, Mirko Šarović, Milovan Bjelica, and Milorad Govedarica, former associates of Privredna Banka Srpsko Sarajevo who are currently on trial for misusing millions of KM of bank funds.

The High Representative also expressed his concern at media reports of statements about Ms Robinson attributed to the defence lawyer in Mr Mandic’s ongoing trial.

“ Independence of the judiciary and judicial processes is one of the cornerstones of a democracy,” the High Representative said. “If the Court were to determine that newspaper articles quoting Mr Mandic’s defence lawyer are accurately reported, it would appear that there has been an attempt to defame and intimidate a witness, which is extremely serious and should be dealt with appropriately by the relevant authorities.”