The Slovenian government confirmed today the introduction of sanctions against the ousted president of the Bosnian Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, the Slovenian edition of N1 television reported, BTA reports.
At its meeting, the cabinet approved a ban on Dodik's entry into the country. Two weeks ago, the Council of Ministers had already considered the proposal, but requested additional documentation from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
Among the main reasons for the measure is the “extensive flow of capital of dubious origin“ from Republika Srpska and the Western Balkans region to Slovenia. Additional motives include Dodik's refusal to comply with a decision of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding his resignation from the presidency, his separatist ambitions, and the undermining of state institutions and the country's constitution.
There is also a “reasonable suspicion“ that Dodik and his relatives, through intermediaries and companies, own significant properties in Slovenia, including at least five on the Slovenian coast.
Many members of Dodik's family, including his son Igor, are already on the US sanctions list. The US Treasury Department said Dodik abused his position to direct state affairs to private companies controlled by him and his family.
In addition to the US, sanctions against Dodik, his relatives and other high-ranking figures in Republika Srpska have already been imposed by the UK, Germany, Austria, Poland and Lithuania.
The Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina stripped Dodik of his mandate following a final verdict by the country's Court for failure to comply with the decisions of the High Representative of the international community. In early August, he was sentenced to one year in prison and a six-year ban from holding public office.