OSCE Media Freedom Representative Désir and Head of Mission Berton condemn threats against journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina

VIENNA/SARAJEVO, 15 February 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, and the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bruce G. Berton, today condemned several threats made against journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Earlier this month, Editor-in-Chief of a Public Service Broadcaster (BHRT) news program, Marko Radoja, received a letter with threatening messages including threats to his life.

According to media reports, Adnan Jašarspahić, an FTV journalist and owner of online portal Visoko.co.ba filed charges against two persons connected to a local politician,  for threatening him on social media.

In addition, journalist Milkica Milojević, from the daily newspaper EuroBlic in Banja Luka received threats over the phone. Reportedly, a police investigation into this case has already been launched.

“These threats against journalists are unacceptable and must be condemned at the highest level. Authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina must increase their efforts to guarantee safe working conditions for media professionals,” Désir said, expressing hope that all threats will be duly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.

“It is clear that threats and incidents involving journalists have intensified, even since the beginning of the year, which is a worrying trend. The authorities must take all necessary measures to create an environment that enables a truly free and independent media and to end intimidation of journalists. It is unacceptable that journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina face violence and intimidation for exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression, a right that is essential for democracy.  All incidences must be thoroughly investigated,” Berton said.

“For the democratic development of the country it is of paramount importance to make sure that safety of journalists is ensured at all times and that impunity not become common place,” Désir said.

The Representative recalled the need for States to fully respect the OSCE Ministerial Council decision on Safety of journalists, adopted last December in Milan.