The international community’s High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, will not address the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg in the "Kovacevic" case, as confirmed by the Office of the High Representative (OHR) to N1.

“The High Representative’s amicus curiae has been submitted to the ECHR. Personal participation by the High Representative was never planned. The case is in the hands of the ECHR’s Grand Chamber, which will make the decision,” an OHR spokesperson clarified.

The initial suggestion that Schmidt might intervene in the “Kovacevic” case stirred significant public debate and drew predominantly negative reactions. Protests were held outside the OHR, with many Bosnian citizens arguing that Schmidt was misusing his position and acting counter to the European Union and US values promoted in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Schmidt has repeatedly voiced concerns about the ECHR’s decision in the “Kovacevic” case, claiming it could destabilize Bosnia’s political landscape.

The “Kovacevic” case revolves around electoral rights in BiH. On August 29, 2023, the ECHR ruled in favour of Slaven Kovacevic, who argued that his right to vote was restricted because, as a resident of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity, he could only vote for Croat or Bosniak candidates for the Bosnian Presidency, not for other groups.

The ECHR ruled that Kovacevic's rights had indeed been violated. Bosnia formally requested a review of this ruling on October 5, submitted by acting agents Monika Mijic and Jelena Cvijetic. The Grand Chamber will soon consider the appeal and issue a final decision.