OSCE media freedom representative concerned about police intimidation of journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina

VIENNA, 14 February 2014 - OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed concern about the intimidation of a journalist by law enforcement officers in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to media reports, two police officers yesterday demanded that a journalist hand over footage he recorded at recent protests in Tuzla. They also said he must testify against the demonstrators and that he should provide them with telephone numbers of Tuzla journalists. In addition the officers questioned the journalist about the work of the BH Journalists Association. The journalist refused.

“Journalists must be able to freely cover demonstrations without fear of intimidation. Although I recognize that journalists may be required to provide materials when serious crimes are investigated, such requests should never be communicated in a way to intimidate the media, particularly in situations of social and political unrest,” Mijatović said.

Mijatović said that it should be courts, and not law enforcement agencies, that decide when journalists should provide evidence after properly considering other possible and less restrictive measures. Mijatović added that requests can be problematic in cases where the identity of confidential sources could be disclosed.

“I will continue to monitor the situation in the country and I expect the authorities to do all in their power to make sure journalists can do their jobs safely. I also expect journalists and editors to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism in line with their internal codes, as well as calls expressed by the BH Journalists Association, the Press Council and the Communications Regulatory Agency,” Mijatović said.