Bosnian police on Monday arrested the president of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s court and the former head of the spy agency on suspicion of abuse of office and other criminal acts.
Officers of the State Information and Protection Agency arrested Mr. Ranko Debevec and the former head of the Intelligence Agency, Osman Mehmedagic on the orders of the prosecutor, a statement from the state prosecutor’s office said.
“The mentioned persons are suspected of the criminal offense of abuse of office, related to other criminal offenses provided for in the criminal code of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the statement continued, adding that no further information will be provided.
Mr. Debevec has presided over what is known as the court of Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2017.
The High Judicial and Prosecution Council had previously conducted a disciplinary investigation against him regarding behavior both inside and outside the court, which the council claimed were damaging the reputation of his office.
According to reports, Mr. Debevec had met with Mr. Mehmedagic outside the court, at the time when several criminal charges were filed against him. He is also accused of providing false information about his properties.
Later, the charges against Mr. Debevec on disciplinary matters were dismissed.
In March, the United States imposed sanctions on Osman Mehmedagic under suspicion of undermining democratic institutions and endangering peace and stability in the Western Balkans.
Osman Mehmedagic has been accused of misusing the state telecommunications company in favor of a political party and of having cooperated with criminal networks for personal and party enrichment.