PREVENTING IMPUNITY IN HIGH-LEVEL CORRUPTION CASES

High-level corruption cases in our research show how political elites work to establish corrupt mechanisms and networks in all sectors and institutions, which enables them to acquire significant political power and / or financial benefits.

Criminal justice system in Bosnia and Herzegovina yet it is not always ready to respond to such cases, which often require a complex financial investigation. Our analysis shows that the judiciary has neither a deterrent nor a preventive role in the context of corruption, and that the judiciary proceedings are often in favor of officials charged with corruption. Feelings of inequality and impunity prevail in the work of the judiciary, and ubiquitous corrupt elites in the legislature perpetuate this situation, completely undermining anti-corruption efforts.

Due to the systemic nature and worrying level of corruption in the judicial institutions themselves, judicial reform is necessary to ensure independence from political elites and to introduce a system of integrity in the judiciary. In addition, a number of legislative reforms are needed to strengthen the rule of law and minimize the potential for abuse of office. In general, a comprehensive approach is needed in Bosnia and Herzegovina judicial reform to restore confidence in the work of judicial institutions and as a starting point for the country’s efforts to respond to the situation of prisoners states.