Has the arrests in Tuzla opened a Pandora’s box and is the action of the Tuzla Canton Prosecutor’s Office leading to new political and police circles? Who from the judiciary did not declare their assets and when will they be held accountable? What are the professions and politicians arguing about in the changes to the new Law on the HJPC? President of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HJSC) Sanin Bogunić spoke about these and other issues for the Federal Television Network.
Commenting on the recent actions of the prosecutor’s offices in Tuzla and Sarajevo, Bogunić emphasized the importance of the work of judicial bodies:
“Of course, I support the work of the prosecutor’s office and police authorities because it is obvious that there is a willingness to solve complex cases that have signs of organization. The judiciary will, of course, process all the evidence and bring the defendants to justice.”
He adds that the judiciary does not shy away from dealing with its ranks:
“If the judicial functions show that individuals have violated the law, the process proceeds appropriately. Some procedures take longer, some shorter, but we continuously monitor all cases.”
Disciplinary procedures and number of initiated procedures
Bogunić points out that about 30-35 disciplinary procedures are initiated annually, most often due to inattention at work, but also other violations.
“In the last three to four years, a large number of proceedings have been initiated against heads of judicial institutions, chief prosecutors and presidents of courts. This shows that the judiciary is ready to deal with its own members as well,” says Bogunić.
The European Commission and public perception
Commenting on the European Commission’s reports on the lack of convictions in cases of high corruption, Bogunić explains:
“The report is 105 pages of which about 15 are related to the judiciary and I have to say that those narratives do not stand. It shows that the judiciary has made certain strides compared to the previous year. We have formed a department to declare assets and adopted a security strategy in the judiciary. I will not say that the judiciary is ideal, but I also cannot say that it is a worse part of this society.”
The new law on the HJPC and conflicts between the profession and politics
Bogunić explains the reasons for the conflict between the profession and politics regarding the new law:
“The profession sent about 40 amendments to improve the asset verification system and speed up the appointment of judges and prosecutors. The current system is not efficient enough and can slow down the work of the judiciary. We want the new office holders to take office quickly, while their assets are verified in parallel.”
Reporting of assets of judges and prosecutors
Until September 9 of this year, all office holders had to submit property reports. The number of those who have not yet done so amounts to about 25 people. Among them, according to his memory, which he is not entirely sure of, are former prosecutor Dobravko Čapara, former president of the Supreme Court of the RS, Vesna Antonić, prosecutor Vesna Ilić and former chief prosecutor of the Tuzla Canton, Tomislav Ljubić.
“Disciplinary proceedings are initiated against all those who did not adequately explain why they did not declare their property. Fines are imposed, in accordance with the law,” says Bogunić.
Prosecution of war criminals and high corruption
Speaking about the reaction of the judiciary to the glorification of war criminals and cases of high corruption, Bogunić emphasizes:
“There is clear evidence and prescribed responsibility for such crimes. The problem is the high standard of proof, but there is no reason not to prosecute these crimes. The BiH Prosecutor’s Office conducts numerous investigations, and the quality work and time required to collect evidence ensure that the results are reliable.”
POSKOK, confiscation and confiscation of property
Bogunić reminds that in the past years, assets worth millions were seized and confiscated, including hotels, gas stations and other real estate.
“POSKOK is littered with cases. The law clearly stipulates that no one can keep the benefits obtained from crime. The HJPC monitors these cases and establishes mechanisms to ensure that they are processed in an adequate manner,” concludes Bogunić.
(TIP/Source: federalna.ba/Photo: Amer Kajmović/Fena)
