Ahead of Dodik verdict: NATO, EUFOR ready to stop destabilisation of BiH

A ruling in Dodik’s case for disregarding the decisions of the High Representative is scheduled to be delivered in Sarajevo on Wednesday.

Dodik and numerous Serb officials have warned of radical actions should he be found guilty. In Republika Srpska, a two-day protest is set to take place, while the opposition has called for a boycott of the gathering.

NATO headquarters in Sarajevo have said that measures will be taken to prevent destabilisation, stressing the importance of maintaining stability with the support of the EU's Althea mission. We will not allow a security vacuum to emerge or the hard-earned peace to be jeopardised, they added.

EUFOR has said that despite the current stability, they remain ready to intervene should public order deteriorate or civilians' security be threatened.

Earlier, the EU Delegation to BiH urged all parties to avoid escalating tensions and to accept the first-instance verdict of the Court of BiH.

In a statement on X on Saturday, Dodik accused former U.S. Ambassador to BiH Michael Murphy of orchestrating his prosecution.

Radovan Kovacevic, spokesperson for Dodik’s SNSD party, announced plans for a referendum on a new constitution for the Bosnian Serb entity of Republika Srpska, which, according to him, would "eliminate the unlawful decisions of High Representatives." He also called on citizens to attend a rally in support of Dodik on 25 February.

Opposition politician Igor Crnadak urged citizens to avoid the gathering and to withhold support for the government.

The BiH Prosecutor’s Office is seeking prison sentences for Dodik and the former acting director of the Official Gazette of Republika Srpska, Milos Lukic, as well as long-term bans on their political activities.