A Bosnian appeals court on Friday upheld a one-year prison sentence and a six-year political ban for pro-Russia Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik over his separatist actions, as tensions rise in the fragile Balkan nation.
Dodik rejected the court ruling and added that he will continue to act as the Bosnian Serb president as long as he has the support of the Bosnian Serb parliament.
He said he is not surprised by the verdict, which he called "a clear political decision” orchestrated by Bosnian Muslims in collaboration with the European Union.
"I expect complete support from Serbia, we will turn to Russia for support, we will write a letter to the new U.S. administration,” Dodik said.
The EU said in a brief statement that the "verdict is binding and must be respected.”
