OSCE representative calls on authorities to investigate threats against journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina

VIENNA, 22 October 2014 – Following recent death threats against two reporters in Bosnia and Herzegovina, OSCE media freedom representative Dunja Mijatović today called on authorities to thoroughly and swiftly investigate all threats against media representatives.

Yesterday, cameraman Emir Hrncic and reporter Omer Hasanovic of Federation TV public broadcaster were reportedly threatened by a convicted felon in Tuzla.

“Intimidation and attacks on journalists must not be tolerated,” Mijatović said. “I call on the authorities to fully investigate all threats and attacks on journalists.

“It is high time that the perpetrators are prosecuted to the full extent of the law in order to prevent an atmosphere of impunity from taking hold.”

Local NGOs, including the Association of BiH Journalists, condemned the incident.

The Tuzla Canton Ministry of Interior announced that the perpetrator will face misdemeanor charges.

Attacks on journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014 include the beating of Sinan Alić on January 25 near Tuzla, an attack on RTV Slon cameraman Branislav Pavičić by a law enforcement officer in Tuzla in February, the brutal assault on Slavo Kukić, a prominent writer and columnist in Mostar; and an assault on a television crew, including journalist Sanela Kajmović-Sojarić and camera operator Nihad Karić from Federation Television in Busovača in June.

Earlier this month, Siniša Vukelić, editor of the online portal Capital.ba, received death threats at a petrol station in Banja Luka.

Yesterday the Representative called on the authorities and to fully investigate and prosecute those responsible for hacker attacks on media websites.