The director of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), Darko Culum, has confirmed to RTRS that he has decided to step down from his position.

Culum stated that his decision was made in accordance with the laws and conclusions adopted by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska.

This comes after Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik signed decrees on March 5 enacting the laws passed by the National Assembly.

The president of SIPA's Independent Board, Enes Obralija, told N1 that Culum had performed his duties correctly and professionally.

“Ćulum carried out his work correctly and professionally. He resigned and authorized the head of the Criminal Investigation Department to lead SIPA, while the chief of staff, Ernad Music, will handle other administrative tasks. SIPA will continue to do its job. I also believe that the Council of Ministers should authorize someone until a new director is appointed,” Obralija told N1.

BiH Court orders one-month detention for Dodik, Viskovic, Stevandic

The Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina issued a temporary measure at an extraordinary session on March 7, suspending the controversial laws recently passed by the National Assembly of the country's Republika Srpska (RS) entity. These laws prohibit the operations of the state police (SIPA), the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH, the Court of BiH, and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) of BiH in that entity.

“The unlawful actions of the authorities of the RS entity require decisive and unified action from all state officials in BiH. Brutal attacks on the Dayton Peace Agreement and the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina must be stopped,” Becirovic previously stated.

The temporary measure will remain in effect until the Constitutional Court of BiH reaches a final decision.