Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut assessed that the final verdict against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, sentencing him to one year in prison and a six-year ban on political engagement, was directed "not only against one man, but against the institutions of Republika Srpska and the entire Serbian people."
In a statement, he expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict and stated that it was "particularly symptomatic" that it was announced at a time when Serbia and Republika Srpska are marking three decades since Operation Storm, during which more than 250.000 Serbs were expelled from Croatia.
"The attempt to criminalize the legitimate struggle for the constitutional competences of the Republika Srpska, for the rights of the Serbian people and for the preservation of the Dayton Peace Agreement through political judgments is a direct attack on the peace and stability of the region. The Serbian people have been under attack many times in their history, but they have always remained upright, persistent and united. This time too, we will remain united, collected and turned towards each other, because our love for the homeland, togetherness and brotherly ties between the Republic of Serbia and the Republika Srpska are stronger than any injustice," said Macut.
Macut also said that the Serbian government will continue "to provide every support to the people of Republika Srpska" and to advocate for respect for the rights of "all peoples and all entities within the framework of internationally recognized agreements."
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