The Supreme Courtroom of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has imposed restrictions on the performing CEO of Sarajevo Airport, Sanin Ramezić, in addition to members of the airport’s Supervisory Board, in response to native media. The people named at the moment are prohibited from getting into airport premises and performing their official duties whereas an investigation into alleged abuse of energy continues. These affected embrace Supervisory Board members Benjamin Mešak, Adnan Mahmutović, Vlado Džoić, Žan Matić and Adil Halilović. The federal government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina appointed the Board in February 2024. The present airport management was appointed on December 5 of final yr.
The investigation is led by POSKOK, the nationwide anti-corruption and organised crime unit. For a number of months, POSKOK has been analyzing suspected wrongdoing associated to modifications within the firm’s bylaws, which can have altered the {qualifications} required for senior administration positions. The priority is that these modifications have been designed to safe full-term appointments for the newly chosen administration. Investigators are analyzing whether or not the bylaw revisions have been made exterior of official governmental publication necessities, eliminated minimal aviation trade experience wanted for prime roles, eradicated the necessity for a technical engineering diploma and eliminated the requirement for not less than 5 years of aviation expertise. If true, critics argue the modifications would enable politically favoured candidates with out trade {qualifications} to take management positions at Bosnia and Herzegovina’s busiest airport. POSKOK reportedly seized inside paperwork from the airport one month in the past as a part of the inquiry.
The airport is presently working an open recruitment course of for the place of CEO and Government Director roles, with greater than 5 candidates making use of, together with one former airport head, Alan Bajić, who was controversially changed final yr. The investigation might delay the appointment course of.
The investigation comes as Sarajevo Airport makes an attempt to safe new Ryanair routes and a possible base. A delegation from the airport, led by the Premier of the Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk, visited Dublin final week the place they met with Ray Kelliher, the provider’s Director of Airports and Industrial Finance. Commenting on the talks, Mr Uk mentioned, “We mentioned concrete steps to additional enhance air connectivity for our capital metropolis. Our focus is evident: extra direct routes between Sarajevo and key European locations. Higher connectivity boosts tourism, facilitates enterprise and immediately contributes to strengthening our economic system. I’m assured that this direct dialogue will quickly result in new journey alternatives and larger financial advantages for all residents of Sarajevo Canton”.
