The Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CIK BiH) has fined Vlado Sladoje, a candidate for head of Kalinovik municipality, 20,000 KM. His party, the PDP, was also fined 3,000 KM, with CIK BiH noting that the party had no prior violations.

Sladoje was penalized for hate speech and glorifying a convicted war criminal on Facebook during his election campaign. He referred to Kalinovik as “Mladicevo” in a post and wore a military uniform, which caused public outrage.

“This is one of the highest sanctions we have imposed, as invoking wartime events and glorifying war criminals carries particular gravity,” said CIK chairwoman Irena Hadziabdic.

In one post, Sladoje expressed support for Ratko Mladic, calling Kalinovik “Mladicevo,” in reference to Mladic, who was born in the town. “Mobilization in progress, response excellent. 450 strong, second position, onward. For the honorable cross and freedom of Kalinovik. Mladicevo,” Sladoje wrote in the controversial post.