Bosnia’s court has sentenced pro-Russia Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik to one year in prison and banned him from politics for six years over his separatist actions.

The conviction follows charges of defying the international peace envoy overseeing Bosnia’s stability.

Dodik, absent during sentencing, has vowed to disobey the ruling and has threatened secession of Republika Srpska from Bosnia.

The US has imposed sanctions on Dodik for his pro-Russia stance and calls for separatism, raising concerns of instability in the region, The Guardian has reported.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed support for Dodik, calling the verdict unlawful.

Written by B.C. Begley