CHIEF PROSECUTOR MET WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA. SUPPORT TO ACTIVITIES OF THE PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE OF BIH IN A CASE RELATED TO FAILURE TO ENFORCE

The Chief Prosecutor of the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH - Goran Salihović met with the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Mary Ann Hennessey.

The central theme of the discussion was the case related to non-enforcement of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the "Sejdić-Finci" case that the Prosecutor’s Office is working on.

Chief Prosecutor informed Ms. Hennessey about the activities undertaken by the Prosecutor’s Office in this case and explained that they do not relate to the political aspect of the implementation of decision, but seek to determine whether someone is intentionally obstructing the enforcement of the decision, which is a criminal offense.

The Head of the Council of Europe Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina has expressed gratitude to the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH for undertaking the activities with the aim to enforce this decision, which represents a very important segment of the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European integration process.

It was emphasized at the meeting that the failure to enforce these decisions is a violation of human rights of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that it threatens the upcoming electoral process.

Conclusion of the meeting is that all institutions must comply with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights as it is their legal obligation.

Salihović and Hennessey have also discussed matters relating to the non-enforcement of decisions of the Constitutional Court that are handled by the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH expressing support to prosecution of these cases. Also discussed was the situation arising after the judgment in "Maktouf-Damjanović" case and the actions of the Constitutional Court and the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina following this judgment.

The Chief Prosecutor stated that all institutions must comply with the law and act with respect to the victims of war crimes ensuring that all activities be undertaken to successfully resolve this situation and prevent such occurrences in the future.