Milorad Dodik faces jail time: He claims PM Orbán sent 300 CTC agents to Bosnia to train with Serbian counter-terrorism
Milorad Dodik claims 300 Hungarian counter-terrorism agents are in Republika Srpska, fueling tensions ahead of his court ruling. As concerns grow over foreign security presence, his close ties with Viktor Orbán remain strong, backed by financial support from Budapest.
Hungarian CTC in Bosnia?
As Telex reports, Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska and a close ally of Viktor Orbán, has claimed that 300 Hungarian CTC agents are stationed in the entity’s territory. Speaking at a National Assembly session, Dodik’s remarks were followed by reports from local outlet Klix.ba, which stated that Bosnia’s border police had been informed of the arrival of 70 Hungarian anti-terror officers. According to official sources, these units entered Bosnia and Herzegovina on 24 February for training exercises in cooperation with the Republika Srpska Ministry of the Interior (MUP RS). Dodik says:
At this moment, in these days, in agreement with Orbán, 300 Hungarian counter-terrorism agents arrived here yesterday, the day before yesterday and the day before that, in the RS territory, and they are conducting training and exercises in this area together with the MUP RS counter-terrorism unit.
Authorities haven’t responded yet
Milorad Dodik has heightened tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina with his latest remarks, just as the country awaits a crucial court verdict. Local reports indicate that János Hajdú, who signed a cooperation agreement on behalf of Hungary’s Counter Terrorism Centre (CTC) with the Republika Srpska (RS) police chief, was recently in Banja Luka. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in counter-terrorism through joint training and information exchange. Meanwhile, authorities have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the presence of Hungarian anti-terror police in the region.
Milorad Dodik to face time in jail?
On Wednesday, Bosnia’s prosecutor’s office requested the maximum five-year sentence for Milorad Dodik, who was indicted in August 2023 for obstructing the decisions of the High Representative of the International Community. Dodik stands accused of rejecting the authority of High Representative Christian Schmidt, who oversees Bosnia’s delicate political framework. He dismissed the charges as politically motivated, arguing that the High Representative lacked the legal authority to impose such measures. With potential penalties including a prison sentence and a ten-year ban from office, the trial’s outcome could significantly impact Republika Srpska’s political future.
Severe consequences
Dodik has warned of severe consequences if convicted, hinting at possible retaliation and renewed discussions on Republika Srpska’s independence. His defiant stance has already drawn international scrutiny, with the US imposing sanctions on him for alleged corruption and denial of the Srebrenica genocide. Despite this, Dodik maintains strong ties with Hungary, receiving generous financial support from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. His recent visit to Budapest saw further economic backing, including a EUR 110 million loan.
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