Bosnian Serb Leader Dodik Faces Trial for Disobeying International Envoy Schmidt

Bosnian-Serb nationalist leader Milorad Dodik is set to stand trial, accused of refusing to acknowledge the authority of Christian Schmidt, the international envoy overseeing peace in Bosnia. Dodik, who is the president of the majority-Serb area in Bosnia-Herzegovina, has repeatedly threatened to secede and has rejected Schmidt's power. The trial marks the culmination of a power struggle that began when Schmidt took on the role of High Representative two years ago. Dodik has introduced laws aimed at undermining Bosnia's national institutions in Republika Srpska, including tax authorities and courts. If found guilty, he could face up to five years in jail and a political ban. While Dodik often suggests the possibility of declaring independence for Republika Srpska, he lacks international support, even from neighboring Serbia. Though considered an ally of Russia, neither Russia nor China recognize Schmidt as the international envoy. Some suspect Dodik's motives are to maintain a state of crisis within Republika Srpska and extend his time in power by exploiting voters' fears.