High Representative Christian Schmidt reminds that the non-integrative celebration of 9 January as the Day of Republika Srpska is a clear and direct failure to implement the final and binding decisions of the BiH Constitutional Court, as well as the decisions of the High Representative of 1 July 2023.
He recalls that non-compliance with Constitutional Court decisions may constitute a criminal offense under the Bosnia and Herzegovina Criminal Code.
The BiH Constitutional Court underlined in its decision that “the selection of 9 January as the day observing the Day of the Republic does not symbolize collective, shared remembrance contributing to strengthening the collective identity as values of particular significance in a multi-ethnic society based on the respect for diversity as the basic values of a modern democratic society.”
“It makes non-Serbs living in the RS feel like second-class citizens,” said the High Representative.
It is up to the law enforcement authorities, the BiH Prosecutor’s Office, and the police to take appropriate legally mandated next steps, especially in cases involving public officials or civil servants and their participation in the preparation or organization of the 9th January celebrations.
“The rule of law is an indispensable prerequisite for a stable and prosperous future for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but so are communication, dialogue, and compromise. These should be the guiding principles in deciding on the Day of Republika Srpska, as only then this will be a holiday that can be embraced and celebrated by all citizens, strengthening the bonds amongst RS citizens and not dividing them further,” added the High Representative.