Ambassador Rick Holtzapple, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, met with the Acting Court of BiH President, Judge Minka Kreho, on 16 September 2025. On behalf the OSCE Mission to BiH, the meeting was also attended by Mr. Ivo Lupis, Head of the Human Dimension Department; Mr. Ralph Bunche, Chief of the Rule of Law Section; and Mr. Nedžad Smailagić, legal advisor in charge of monitoring the work of the judiciary, and on behalf of the Court of BiH the Registrar, Ms. Emira Hodžić, and legal advisor at the Office of the President, Mr. Srđan Marković.

The meeting discussed the State Court’s plans and further processing of criminal offenses falling within the jurisdiction of the Court of BiH, but also the challenges the Court will face on its road to European integration.

During the meeting, the Acting Court President said the Court remained ready to face the task of processing all cases falling within its jurisdiction in a professional and responsible manner, particularly those that pertain to war crimes, organized crime and corruption. Also noted was the need to resume the reform of the justice system in BiH, as well as the significance of strengthening the principle of judicial independence, as a cornerstone of a democratic society.

Ambassador Holtzapple stressed the Mission’s strong support for the process of strengthening the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina, pointing out the significance of strengthening judicial institutions as a prerequisite for the reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

At the end of the meeting, the Acting President thanked Ambassador Holtzapple for his visit and for the continued support the OSCE Mission has been providing to the Court of BiH, while pointing out the need to continue strengthening their cooperation through joint activities.