TI BIH Asked the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Declare Whether Žarko Laketa Passed the Security Checks During the Appointment

Transparency International in BiH asked for information on the appointment of the new director of the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs from the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the related Inspectorate, Žarko Laketa, who, according to media reports, did not pass security checks and does not have the necessary work experience to perform this function.

The Ministry, as well as other representatives of the Council of Ministers, have not yet denied the allegations that the Inspectorate informed them before the appointment that Laketa does not meet the requirements, because he has a final conviction for a criminal offense, does not have a permit to access classified information marked “highly confidential” and does not have at least three years of experience in jobs related to the movement and residence of foreigners.

Since the controversial appointment was still made at the last session of the Council of Ministers, TI BiH requested a statement from these institutions believing it is an unacceptable practice for potentially ineligible persons to head law enforcement agencies. If it turns out that the Council of Ministers ignored the warnings and positions of official institutions and despite this made an illegal appointment, there are indications that those responsible committed acts that fall under the sphere of criminal responsibility.

Another problem is that the new composition of the Council of Ministers, in addition to continuing the practice of public party distribution of positions in institutions that should be independent, enters the new mandate with a series of controversial decisions and appointments without implementing procedures prescribed by law, which once again sends the message to citizens that state institutions are the prey of political parties and interest groups and their mutual agreements.

Press rls_13.02.22_