Newsroom
OSCE condemns targeting of Mostar journalist
SARAJEVO 3 November 2000
SARAJEVO, 3 November 2000 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses its deepest concern over the content of a recent press release by the political party, HDZ, that has created a hostile environment for RTV Mostar and its general manager Alija Behram.
The HDZ Bosnia and Herzegovina Election Board issued a statement on October 31 concerning the decision of the Election Appeals Sub-Commission (EASC) which required the withdrawal of the HDZ election promotional spot "For A Better Today."
The HDZ press release made statements regarding the alleged role that RTV Mostar and its general manager, Alija Behram, had in bringing this issue to the EASC's attention. Subsequently, both the station and Behram have received numerous threats of physical harm.
"The HDZ statement is irresponsible, and completely unacceptable from those who would hope to be elected to positions of leadership and responsibility," said Regan McCarthy, Director of Media Affairs. "It is especially disturbing that this statement is not only hateful, it is inaccurate. Let us hope for the HDZ that no harm comes to Mr. Behram or RTV Mostar, for the trail leads directly to the party."
The press release accuses RTV Mostar of being "under the ideological influence of the Mostar SDP and spreading hatred for everything that is Croat" as well as for "being the only station that saw the Ottoman Empire horsemen instead of Roman ones." It further stated that "the general manager of RTV Mostar perhaps feels sorry that those were not the Ottoman horsemen, who tried to exterminate everything Catholic and Croat in this area."
RTV Mostar has sought an opinion from the IMC about whether broadcasting the HDZ ad would constitute a violation of IMC regulations. The IMC referred the matter to the EASC for adjudication. The EASC ruled on 30 October regardless of HDZ's intentions, the piece contained imagery that was unduly provocative and could spread hatred. The advertisement thus violates the Rules of Conduct contained in the Provisional Election Commission (PEC) Rules and Regulations. The IMC subsequently issued a statement that reminded stations that airing of material that violates the Provisional Election Commission (PEC) Rules and Regulations constitutes a violation of the IMC Broadcasting Code of Practice.
The HDZ press release represents a continuation of the threats directed to obstruct the establishment of free and independent media in areas controlled by the HDZ. The OSCE Mission to BiH calls upon the leadership of the HDZ to refrain from such acts and to condemn any such acts made on behalf of the HDZ.
OSCE also calls on the Hercegovacka-Neretva Canton authorities to undertake the necessary investigations to determine the origin of anonymous threats and to ensure that journalists of RTV Mostar, as well as of other media outlets in the area, are able to work without threat, intimidation or any other form of interference.
For more information please call OSCE Spokesperson Luke Zahner at ++387/(0)33 292-449 or at ++387/(0) 66 144-311.
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.
The HDZ Bosnia and Herzegovina Election Board issued a statement on October 31 concerning the decision of the Election Appeals Sub-Commission (EASC) which required the withdrawal of the HDZ election promotional spot "For A Better Today."
The HDZ press release made statements regarding the alleged role that RTV Mostar and its general manager, Alija Behram, had in bringing this issue to the EASC's attention. Subsequently, both the station and Behram have received numerous threats of physical harm.
"The HDZ statement is irresponsible, and completely unacceptable from those who would hope to be elected to positions of leadership and responsibility," said Regan McCarthy, Director of Media Affairs. "It is especially disturbing that this statement is not only hateful, it is inaccurate. Let us hope for the HDZ that no harm comes to Mr. Behram or RTV Mostar, for the trail leads directly to the party."
The press release accuses RTV Mostar of being "under the ideological influence of the Mostar SDP and spreading hatred for everything that is Croat" as well as for "being the only station that saw the Ottoman Empire horsemen instead of Roman ones." It further stated that "the general manager of RTV Mostar perhaps feels sorry that those were not the Ottoman horsemen, who tried to exterminate everything Catholic and Croat in this area."
RTV Mostar has sought an opinion from the IMC about whether broadcasting the HDZ ad would constitute a violation of IMC regulations. The IMC referred the matter to the EASC for adjudication. The EASC ruled on 30 October regardless of HDZ's intentions, the piece contained imagery that was unduly provocative and could spread hatred. The advertisement thus violates the Rules of Conduct contained in the Provisional Election Commission (PEC) Rules and Regulations. The IMC subsequently issued a statement that reminded stations that airing of material that violates the Provisional Election Commission (PEC) Rules and Regulations constitutes a violation of the IMC Broadcasting Code of Practice.
The HDZ press release represents a continuation of the threats directed to obstruct the establishment of free and independent media in areas controlled by the HDZ. The OSCE Mission to BiH calls upon the leadership of the HDZ to refrain from such acts and to condemn any such acts made on behalf of the HDZ.
OSCE also calls on the Hercegovacka-Neretva Canton authorities to undertake the necessary investigations to determine the origin of anonymous threats and to ensure that journalists of RTV Mostar, as well as of other media outlets in the area, are able to work without threat, intimidation or any other form of interference.
For more information please call OSCE Spokesperson Luke Zahner at ++387/(0)33 292-449 or at ++387/(0) 66 144-311.
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.