Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who recently received a pardon from President Donald Trump, is now working for a politician known as the “Bosnian Bear,” who has strong ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Blagojevich, pardoned by Trump in February, has taken on the role of lobbying for the Republic of Srpska, a Serbian-majority region in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as reported by Politico. The area has a history of ethnic tensions.
“RRB Strategies LLC will be providing communication and public affairs support on behalf of the Republic of Srpska,” according to the registration statement filed by Blagojevich’s firm.
Registration is mandatory under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
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Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich speaks to reporters outside the Dirksen Federal Courthouse Aug. 2, 2021, in Chicago. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
In a recent post, Blagojevich stated that Interpol, the global police organization, rejected a request from “the unelected Bosnian High Representative to arrest Milorad Dodik, known as the ‘Bosnian Bear’ due to his large physique, the duly elected President of the Republic of Srpska.”
Blagojevich mentioned that the denial by Interpol occurred while Dodik was in Israel meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and participating in a conference on combating antisemitism.
Earlier this week, Blagojevich criticized left-wing courts, prosecutors, and officials for trying to “imprison populist conservative leaders chosen by the people & prevent them from holding office.”
He highlighted efforts against Trump, Marine Le Pen in France, and Dodik, who has advocated for Srpska’s separation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to join Serbia.
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Milorad Dodik, president of the Republic of Srpska, gestures as he addresses supporters during a protest in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Feb. 25. (Reuters/Amel Emric)
In February, Dodik was sentenced to a year in prison for defying the country’s Constitutional Court. He has since sought refuge in Moscow.
In March, Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Dodik of undermining Bosnia and Herzegovina’s institutions and jeopardizing its security and stability.
“Our nation urges political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage in constructive and responsible dialogue,” he mentioned. “We call on our regional partners to join us in resisting this dangerous and destabilizing behavior.”
Milorad Dodik, president of the Republic of Srpska, speaks during a protest in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Reuters/Amel Emric)
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Trump reportedly considered appointing Blagojevich as the U.S. ambassador to Serbia before ultimately selecting former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.
