The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed personal sanctions on three individuals, who are linked to Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srspka.
These sanctioned individuals assisted with organizing “Republika Srpska Day” (RS Day) on January 9, 2024.
RS Day was recognized by the Bosnia and Herzogovina Constitutional Court as illegal because it prioritizes “the religious heritage, tradition, and customs of only the Serb people” and thus violates the constitutional obligation of non-discrimination.
Milorad Dodik often visited Russia. In February, 2024 he had a meeting with the Russian president Vladimir Putin. Dodik claimed that Republika Srpska is under the western protectorate.
“In these circumstances, we are attempting to discourage the possibility of imposing sanctions against Russia.” – stated Milorad Dodik.
The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:
- Srebrenka Golic. She is is the current Chair of the People’s Council of the RS. DOB 29 Jul 1958; nationality Bosnia and Herzegovina; Gender Female.
- Branislav Okuka. Okuka was originally a part of an informal group of influential advisors to Dodik who had nationalist Serb and pro-Russia sympathies. DOB 07 Jan 1967; nationality Bosnia and Herzegovina; citizen Bosnia and Herzegovina; Gender Male; Passport B2721680 (Bosnia and Herzegovina) expires 21 Oct 2030.
- Jelena Pajic Bastinac. She serves as Secretary General for the President of the RS. DOB 01 Dec 1982; POB Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina; nationality Bosnia and Herzegovina; Gender Female; Passport B1606358 (Bosnia and Herzegovina) expires 11 Jul 2027.
