Overview

• The appeals court confirmed that Milorad Dodik must serve a one-year prison term and is barred from holding political office for six years with no possibility of further appeal.
• Dodik’s conviction stems from contempt of binding rulings issued by UN High Representative Christian Schmidt.
• The final ruling brings to a close a legal process that began with Dodik’s initial contempt conviction in February.
• In July 2024, Dodik enacted laws in Republika Srpska to block implementation of decisions by the UN High Representative, triggering the contempt charges.
• Observers say the decision underscores the central role of international enforcement in upholding Bosnia’s post-Dayton constitutional framework.