RS, anti-corruption NGO at loggerheads

SARAJEVO -- Transparency International, based in Berlin, has addressed governments and their embassies in Bosnia over “a series of inexplicable media attacks on TI” there.

Milorad Dodik (FoNet, archive)

“Although TI is a key actor in tackling corruption, and is of vital importance to the country and region in terms of the rule of law, [Republic of Srpska PM Milorad] Dodik’s groundless claims depicting TI as a criminal element in Bosnia, and the implied legal sanctions and threats, have further complicated the situation,” reads a TI statement.

The organization has expressed its hope that the rule of law will triumph, and that such accusations will come before the Bosnian judicial organs in full line with the principles of fair trial and impartiality.

Several RS media published information yesterday according to which TI was involved in racketing with deposed RS officials and businessmen.

Dodik said that the entity’s authorities would protect witnesses that had named certain personnel from TI and other institutions in regards to misusing their positions, and intimidating and extorting money from people in the RS.

TI believes that such attacks are completely unacceptable in any country or entity based on democracy and the rule of law.

The NGO stated that it expected a clear response from the entity and state authorities, as well as the international community, to whom it would make clear that such treatment of independent organizations would not be tolerated.