Samantha Power, the USAID Administrator condemned the adoption of the Bill on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia’s Republika Srpska (RS) entity, on Friday, saying it would create legal instability in the country and that it RS MPs are playing with fire.

The Bill was adopted on Thursday with 45 votes in favour, two MPs were against it while 16 abstained.

“The creation of a parallel judicial institution for Republika Srpska would serve the interests of corrupt actors while exposing the people of RS—and everyone in BiH—to greater instability. Lawmakers in the RS pushing these divisions are playing with fire,” Power tweeted.

The creation of a parallel judicial institution for Republika Srpska would serve the interests of corrupt actors while exposing the people of RS—and everyone in BiH—to greater instability. Lawmakers in the RS pushing these divisions are playing with fire. https://t.co/MtZoD0GfmY

— Samantha Power (@PowerUSAID) February 11, 2022

Bosnia already has the HJPC at the state level and this institution is in charge of appointing and sanctioning judges and prosecutors across the country.

The Bill is a continuation of BiH Serb Presidency member and leader of the ruling party in the RS (the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats – SNSD) Milorad Dodik, who, after former High Representative in BiH Valentin Inzko imposed the Law banning genocide denial, said that he would form an entity army, indirect taxation and intelligence agencies, etc.

International officials have repeatedly warned that the transfer of competencies from state to entity government cannot be done.

The said Bill will now go through a two-month public debate before being forwarded for adoption and becoming law.