BiH CSOs have strongly condemned the urgent adoption of four laws by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, particularly the so-called Foreign Agents Law, which they view as a direct attack on critical voices, independent organizations, media, and opposition figures. The law enables strict financial oversight of CSOs receiving international funding, branding them as “foreign agents” while exempting pro-government groups from similar scrutiny. Additionally, amendments to the Criminal Code threaten democracy by forcing state-level officials and judiciary members to comply with RS ruling party directives. CSOs stress that these measures violate constitutional rights, international conventions, and democratic principles, creating legal grounds for arbitrary crackdowns on dissent. Beyond restricting fundamental freedoms, the laws risk economic consequences, further isolating Republika Srpska and delaying Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European integration. CSOs call on the Council of People to block these laws and urge authorities to abandon further retaliatory measures targeting civil society. Find the full statement here.
Source: BCSDN, CPCD