BiH Def Min: Entry of fugitives into Kozara barracks a clear violation of the law

Speaking after a Council of Ministers session, Helez said the individuals, all fugitives from the BiH judiciary, defied a formal entry ban he issued days earlier. “As defence minister, I was legally obliged to prohibit access to persons under a State Court warrant. Ignoring this would make me criminally liable,” Helez stated, citing the Law on Defence of BiH.

He claimed that senior military officers misled him and the public into believing that a detachment of Military Police stationed at the barracks could enforce the ban. “We had a full battalion ready to intervene. If we had been informed that the existing unit couldn’t stop them, they would never have entered,” Helez said, stressing that the responsibility lies with commanding officers who failed to report the security gap.

Citing internal regulations, Helez reminded that the Military Police are required to implement court and prosecution orders, especially in military zones. “This was a blatant violation of military protocol and legal procedures,” he added.

Helez announced legal action against those who breached the law and confirmed he would personally file criminal complaints. “Let’s not forget, Karadžić and Mladić once thought they were untouchable, too. Those who broke the law will be held accountable,” he warned.

He also criticised the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) for its failure to act in Banja Luka, saying the army was ready to respond but was misled into standing down.

The RS leadership was at the Kozara barracks to mark the Day of the Army of Republika Srpska and the Third Infantry Regiment of the BiH Armed Forces.