The High Representative and EU Special Representative, Miroslav Lajčak, is concerned by the prospect that BiH lawmakers will tomorrow adopt amendments to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Law on Immunity granting them immunity from prosecution for crimes such as drink driving, abuse of office, and even war crimes.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Law on Immunity – imposed in 2002 – finally made public office-holders accountable for their actions. HDZ proposals to be discussed tomorrow in urgent procedure give parliamentarians the power to exempt their party colleagues from criminal prosecution.

Urgent procedure means these amendments will go forward for a vote tomorrow.

“I am concerned this is an attempt to get these changes in through the back door, at the last session before the summer break,” said the High Representative and EU Special Representative today. “Worse still, it appears that the drafters’ intention was to avoid a public debate on the issue.”

Current immunity provisions give parliamentarians the protection they need; their ability to speak and vote freely in parliament is guaranteed by existing immunity legislation. The proposed amendments cover any act a parliamentarian might commit.

“The current immunity laws have widespread public support and strengthen the integrity of the institutions,” said the High Representative and EU Special Representative. “I hope parliamentarians realise that the current system of immunity is in their interest; if you are innocent it is better to face your accusers rather than hide behind immunity provisions.”