OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

I appreciated the opportunity to discuss #MediaFreedom developments & challenges with Deputy Minister of Human Rights & Refugees of #BiH, Duška Jurišić. Our shared goal is to ensure that media professionals can work in the public interest, free from any pressure or intimidation.

Great meeting with @mfa_bih @DinoKonakovic in Sarajevo today to discuss the crucial topics of #SafetyOfJournalists, public service media & political commitment needed to ensure a free & diverse #MediaFreedom environment. They are essential for democracy, peace & security in #BiH.

The recent cyberattacks against media outlets @Buka_portal & @NezavisneBL represent a worrying threat to #mediafreedom & free flow of information in #BiH. I urge the authorities to identify the source(s) of these attacks & ensure unhindered access to the portals.

I condemn the recent brutal & cowardly attack on Mirza Dervišević, owner of Times.ba portal in #BiH. Any form of violence against journalists is utterly unacceptable & demands swift & comprehensive investigation. Those responsible must be brought to justice.

Worried by the repeated attacks in #BiH against local outlet #hercegovinainfo and its owner Mario Ćosić. Authorities should take concerted action to effectively investigate and prosecute those responsible. This is key to ensuring justice and discouraging future violence against media.

Concerned that in #BiH journalist of Euro Blic and Srpska info #NikolaMorača was compelled to hand over his phone to the police after refusing to reveal his sources.

Confidentiality of journalistic sources is key for #mediafreedom and should be strictly protected by law and practice.

Attacks against @hercegovinainfo news outlet and it’s Chief Editor #MarioĆosić endanger journalists' safety and public’s right to be informed. I urge the authorities in #BiH to do their utmost to identify and bring the perpetrators of all reported attacks to justice. #JournoSafe

Again, an online hate campaign was started against media workers & their families in #BiH. This poses serious risks to journalists' safety & ability to work. I reiterate my call: those responsible should be brought to account, in line with international commitments & standards.

I urge politicians in #BiH to refrain from hateful & intimidating rhetoric against critical media covering election campaigns. Such behavior sends a chilling message for #mediafreedom & obstructs open public debate in a democratic society. https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/501697?fbclid=IwAR2mfCqKx_F02v99RC7rNMQQy8g2xFUPKmhNR53U17m2H_m8MmmdGaMFqEI

Recent online violence against blogger & columnist @SrkiPuhalo requires swift investigation by all relevant authorities in #BiH. Free and open pluralistic debate is necessary to ensure a more informed & active citizenry on issues that matter to the public in a democratic society.