Bosnia’s Top Judicial Body Asks Chief to Consider Resignation

Members of Bosnia's top judicial body, the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, HJPC, voted to ask its president, Milan Tegeltija, to consider resigning over a recording that appears to indicate his involvement in influence peddling - and has further shaken the body's reputation.

"The latest affair involving the top BiH judicial official in the alleged influence peddling casts a shadow over him as head of the institution and reflects negatively on the country's judiciary as a whole," the EU Delegation to BiH told the media some days ago.

However, after nine out of 14 present members requested that Tegeltija resign, it was concluded that the Council could not assess his responsibility for the audio recording, as its lawfulness and authenticity could not be confirmed.

A conclusion was instead adopted asking the competent authorities to protect both individuals and the independence of the judicial system against unlawful recording and surveillance that undermine their security and independent decision making.

Tegeltija told the session that the recording was fabricated, and was neither lawful, authentic nor credible.

Following his address, nine members agreed that the recording was unlawful but said its contents had compromised the reputation of the HJPC and the judicial system, therefore seeking Tegeltija's resignation.

"The content went out to the public and additionally compromised the public's trust in the reputation of this institution and the judicial system," HJPC member Goran Nezirovic said.

He added that the recording was only one element of the crisis in the HJPC. He said the entire Council should resign to help the body regain the public trust.

Three present members of...

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