SARAJEVO – Bosnia’s Constitutional Court has suspended laws passed by the autonomous Republika Srpska region that reject the authority of federal police and judiciary, stating that they violate the Dayton Peace Agreement.

The controversial laws were introduced by Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik, days after he was sentenced to one year in prison and banned from office for six years for defying Bosnia’s peace envoy, Christian Schmidt.

Dodik has escalated tensions, urging ethnic Serbs to leave federal institutions and join the Republika Srpska government, promising them equal or higher salaries. On Friday, reports emerged that Bosnian Serb police forced federal agents out of their offices in Banja Luka, though officials later denied these claims.

The crisis has raised concerns about security, with the Srebrenica Memorial Centre temporarily closing, citing risks to employees and visitors. While Dodik insists there are no plans for violence, he maintains that Republika Srpska will defend itself if necessary.

The situation remains tense as the court’s ruling challenges Dodik’s separatist push, with Bosnia’s fragile peace under renewed strain.