Trial of fmr Bosnia intelligence director begins

The plea hearing is scheduled for 9 am, where Mehmedagic is expected to respond to the charges.

On January 8, the Court confirmed the indictment filed by the Prosecutor’s Office, which alleges that Mehmedagic held the position of OSA BiH’s general director from November 2019 until his dismissal without meeting the legally required academic qualifications.

According to the indictment, Mehmedagic allegedly abused his position to remain in office and maintain his official and social influence. The prosecution claims that during his tenure, from November 2019 to February 27, 2023, he unlawfully received a salary despite not meeting the required educational criteria for the role.

The charges further state that Mehmedagic obtained unlawful financial gain amounting to 293,046.58 Bosnian marks (approximately €150,000), causing financial damage to the state budget.

The prosecution asserts that to justify his qualifications, Mehmedagic presented a diploma from the American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a bachelor’s degree in international law, despite allegedly never having studied at the institution. The diploma’s origin remains unknown.

The indictment also highlights the reputational damage caused to BiH and proposes confiscating unlawfully acquired assets. Mehmedagic is charged with Abuse of Position or Authority under Article 220, Paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which carries a minimum prison sentence of three years.

In addition to this case, Mehmedagic is also under investigation in another case alongside former Court of BiH President Ranko Debevec. The two are suspected of abusing their positions, unlawfully wiretapping judges and prosecutors, forging documents, and receiving illicit benefits.