Bosnian prosecutors order arrest of Serb leader Milorad Dodik

Bosnian prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for Milorad Dodik, the leader of Bosnia’s Serb entity, Republika Srpska (RS), on charges of “threatening the constitutional order,” local media reported Wednesday.

The warrant also applies to RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic and RS National Assembly (NSRS) Speaker Nenad Stevandic.

The move comes amid growing political tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, following Dodik’s conviction last month for disregarding the authority of the international peace envoy.

Dodik: ‘I will never leave Republika Srpska’

Following the arrest order, Dodik, Viskovic, and Stevandic held a press conference in Banja Luka.

“I will never leave Republika Srpska,” Dodik declared, denying reports that he planned to flee Bosnia. He described the prosecution’s decision as a political attack, comparing his treatment to that of “al-Qaeda suspects.”

“Today is my birthday, and I received a great gift from Sarajevo,” Dodik said, adding that the RS constitution would be strengthened. He also accused Bosniak politicians of attempting to dismantle the Serb entity.

Dodik reiterated his opposition to the European Union Force (EUFOR) mission in Bosnia and called on Russia to veto its extension at the U.N. Security Council. He dismissed the arrest warrant as “worthless” and insisted he would continue signing laws passed by the RS National Assembly.

Republika Srpska parliament plans ‘new constitution’

The RS National Assembly is expected to convene later on Wednesday to discuss new constitutional amendments, which include provisions on “self-determination” and the establishment of an RS Army.

Bosnia’s constitutional court has previously annulled similar measures, ruling them unconstitutional.

Serbian President warns of regional instability

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic criticized the arrest order, warning that it could destabilize the region.

“This decision will only push the Balkans towards further chaos,” Vucic wrote on social media, emphasizing Serbia’s support for the RS and calling for unity among Serbs.

Previous convictions, political tensions

Dodik was recently sentenced to one year in prison and banned from holding office for six years after he refused to recognize the decisions of the Office of the High Representative (OHR).

In response to the ruling, the RS Assembly voted to block the operations of Bosnia’s national judiciary and security agencies within the Serb entity. The RS government also stated that it would not comply with orders from Bosnian courts.

Dodik has previously advocated for the separation of RS from Bosnia, a stance that has led to sanctions from Western governments. The United States and the European Union have warned that his actions threaten the fragile post-war peace in Bosnia.

EU deploys troops amid rising tensions

Amid the escalating crisis, EUFOR has announced the deployment of additional troops to Bosnia as a “precautionary measure.”

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte visited Sarajevo earlier this week and vowed that the alliance would not allow a “security vacuum” to emerge in Bosnia.

Despite increasing pressure, Dodik remains defiant, stating that he has no intention of complying with the arrest order.

“We are not worried; we are determined,” he said. “Let’s see how they plan to arrest us.”