Milorad Dodik proposes entry ban for journalist Michael Martens

Milorad Dodik, leader of the SNSD, has suggested that Republika Srpska consider an entry ban for German journalist Michael Martens. Dodik criticized Martens, stating that the journalist does not deserve the title of journalist due to his rhetoric.

The controversy stems from comments made by Martens during a press conference in Belgrade on August 8, which included the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. During the event, Martens reportedly asked what European countries could do to ‘help kill more Russians’.

Dodik characterized Martens’ remarks as being fueled by an inherent hatred toward the Russian people and argued that such statements contribute to the ongoing ‘satanization’ of Serbs and Republika Srpska.