Bosnia’s Serb-dominated Republika Srpska entity has voted to approve legal amendments that would allow it to establish a controversial reservist police force. This move, reminiscent of a similar proposal in 2019, has sparked concerns among Bosniak war victims’ groups and Western allies, who fear it could formalize paramilitary groups and destabilize the region.
Republika Srpska Revives Controversial Reserve Police Force Plan
The government of Bosnia’s Republika Srpska has adopted a bill to establish a reserve police force, citing the need to enhance security, particularly during emergencies like natural disasters and the ongoing migrant crisis. This decision comes after a similar proposal in 2019 was shelved due to significant criticism.
Key Takeaways
- The Republika Srpska government approved amendments to policing and internal affairs law to create a reserve police force.
- The stated purpose is to address emergency situations, including natural disasters and the migrant crisis, which require a large number of officers.
- The Interior Ministry would establish the force, with recruitment through public competition, and the Interior Minister would authorize deployment.
- The proposal has drawn criticism due to the involvement of Bosnian Serb reservist police officers in war crimes during the 1992-95 Bosnian conflict.
- Bosniak and Croat-dominated Federation entity’s Interior Minister, Ramo Isak, has stated that the Federation would form its own reservist force if Republika Srpska proceeds.
- The amendments still require confirmation by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska.
Justification and Concerns
Republika Srpska Interior Minister Sinisa Karan stated that the entity requires over 1,000 additional police officers for emergency situations such as floods, fires, and landslides. He emphasized that the proposed force is a
Sources
- Bosnia’s Republika Srpska mulls setting up reserve police force, bne IntelliNews.
- Bosnian Serb Entity Moves to Form Reservist Police Force, Balkan Insight.
