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OSCE condemns recent attacks on journalists in Republika Srpska
SARAJEVO 12 October 2000
SARAJEVO, 12 October 2000 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly condemns last Monday night's attack on journalist Anton Kasipovic, Deputy Manager of Glas Srpski, by unknown persons in Banja Luka. Kasipovic is said to have sustained serious injuries to the head and has been hospitalised. This is a saddening attack not only on this individual journalist, but on freedom of media in the Republika Srpska in general. "In a time when the entire region is experiencing new political openings, these events in the Republika Srpska are a throw-back to old days and old ways. It's time to recognize that there is no freedom without free media," said Regan McCarthy, Director, OSCE BiH Department of Media Affairs
This incident is among several alarming and recent threats to journalists in the RS. On 22 September, Oslobodjenje and RTV BiH correspondent, Gordana Katana, received a serious verbal threat by an SDS activist, Bojan Vjestica, in Banja Luka. In Doboj on 20 September, municipal SDS head, Milan Ninkovic, publicly made threatening remarks against Radio ZOS Director and Oslobodjenje correspondent, Azemina Mulahuseinovic, during an interview in which he appeared on NTV Doboj.
The OSCE deeply regrets that these incidents seem to be increasing in number and severity during the pre-election period, The OSCE urges the SDS to condemn such activities and to discipline members who violate human rights in the name of the party. It is encouraging that the SNSD has spoken out and condemned last Monday night's assault on Anton Kasipovic; the OSCE calls on all political parties to actively protest against such behavior.
For more information please contact OSCE Deputy Spokesperson Sanela T. Becirovic at 033/292-338 or 066/134-758.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP), the OSCE Mission activities are to: promote Democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society, foster the development of professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists, monitor and advance the Human Rights situation, supervise the conduct of Elections, and encourage Regional Stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures. The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accords.
This incident is among several alarming and recent threats to journalists in the RS. On 22 September, Oslobodjenje and RTV BiH correspondent, Gordana Katana, received a serious verbal threat by an SDS activist, Bojan Vjestica, in Banja Luka. In Doboj on 20 September, municipal SDS head, Milan Ninkovic, publicly made threatening remarks against Radio ZOS Director and Oslobodjenje correspondent, Azemina Mulahuseinovic, during an interview in which he appeared on NTV Doboj.
The OSCE deeply regrets that these incidents seem to be increasing in number and severity during the pre-election period, The OSCE urges the SDS to condemn such activities and to discipline members who violate human rights in the name of the party. It is encouraging that the SNSD has spoken out and condemned last Monday night's assault on Anton Kasipovic; the OSCE calls on all political parties to actively protest against such behavior.
For more information please contact OSCE Deputy Spokesperson Sanela T. Becirovic at 033/292-338 or 066/134-758.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP), the OSCE Mission activities are to: promote Democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society, foster the development of professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists, monitor and advance the Human Rights situation, supervise the conduct of Elections, and encourage Regional Stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures. The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accords.