SELAK: WE ALREADY HAVE THE NECESSARY FRAMEWORK, OTHER CALLS ARE PURE POPULISM

BANJA LUKA, AUGUST 20 /SRNA/ — Republika Srpska is a leader in BiH and the region in the fight against corruption and organized crime, with a strong legal framework and institutions already in place, Republika Srpska Justice Minister Goran Selak stated, describing proposals to establish new bodies ahead of elections as pure populism.

Commenting on a proposal by Igor Crnadak, president of the Republika Srpska Party of Democratic Progress /PDP/, called the "Palace of Justice of Republika Srpska", which envisages establishing a special prosecutor's office and court, as well as a police-investigative bureau, Selak told SRNA that it was inappropriate for any political party to make such proposals just a month and a half before the elections.

"Republika Srpska is acting responsibly. We have institutions, laws and all the necessary resources, and we always appeal to and call on everyone involved in law enforcement to do their job," Selak stressed.

Selak stated that Republika Srpska had amended all relevant legislation and was the first to establish the necessary institutions, including special prosecutor’s offices and a dedicated department for combating corruption and organized crime within the Banja Luka District Court.

"Republika Srpska was the first to establish an Agency for the Management of Seized Assets. It also amended the Criminal Code and expanded the catalogue of criminal offences in the fight against corruption. We have a complete and strong legal framework and institutions. Now, all that is needed is for those directly responsible for enforcement to do their part," Selak pointed out.

He noted that judges and prosecutors are appointed by the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council /HJPC/, the regulatory body established at the BiH level, meaning Republika Srpska has no jurisdiction over that process.