OSCE Representative calls on authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to end impunity for attacks against journalists

VIENNA, 10 October 2014 – Following yet another attack against a journalist in Bosnia and Herzegovina the OSCE media freedom representative, Dunja Mijatović, today called on the authorities to swiftly and thoroughly investigate all attacks against members of the media.  

On 7 October, Siniša Vukelić, editor of the online portal Capital.ba, received death threats at a petrol station in Banja Luka. Vukelić reported the incident to the police who interrogated both Vukelić and his attacker.

“I welcome the swift action by the police to launch an investigation and also identify the perpetrator,” Mijatović said. “However, in 2014 there have been a number of attacks against journalists that have not been investigated fully - the assailants are still at large. Impunity for attacks on members of the media must stop.”

The attacks against journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014 include the beating of Sinan Alić on January 25 near Tuzla. Alić sustained head injuries and had to seek medical treatment. In the beginning of February this year RTV Slon cameraman Branislav Pavičić was attacked by a law enforcement officer while filming a protest in Tuzla. On 22 June a television crew, journalist Sanela Kajmović-Sojarić and camera operator Nihad Karić from Federal Television, was assaulted in Busovača.

“I call on the authorities to do their utmost to investigate these attacks against members of the media and to bring those responsible to justice,” Mijatović said.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.