Judge Azra Miletic Arrested on Suspicion of Bribery

State prosecutors confirmed that Ramo Brkic and Senad Sabic were arrested in the same operation. Under a first instance verdict Brkic and Sabic were sentenced to eleven and ten years in prison, respectively, for the illegal trade and production of drugs as well as other crimes.

The Bosnian state prosecution suspects judge Miletic, who worked with the appellate court, of having accepted presents and other favours from Brkic and Sabic.

After judge Miletic’s arrest, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina released a public statement which said that all individuals, irrespective of their institutional post, will be held responsible under the law for any wrongdoings they commit and will not be shielded in any way.

“These are certainly very upsetting findings, considering the fact that judge Miletic performs a function with high responsibility, with a judicial institution at the state level. Although we are talking about grounds for suspicion, not established guilt, we consider that the current situation on its own casts a shadow over the reputation of our institution and can shake the citizens’ trust in the judiciary,” said a source at the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

SIPA announced that the suspects were arrested during an operation called Operation Cekic (Translation: Operation Hammer) on Wednesday.

The operation was conducted as per a warrant granted by the Court and Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina.