OSCE media freedom representative seeks quick and thorough investigation of threats against journalist in Bosnia and Herzegovina
NEW YORK, 22 November 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today wrote to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Igor Crnadak, requesting that responsible institutions conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the death threats against Slobodan Vasković, a journalist based in Banja Luka.
Vasković, whose critical reporting is well known, quickly left the country for safety reasons.
Mijatović said Vasković had been threatened several times in the past, none of which were thoroughly investigated.
“I call on you to use your authority to ensure the safety of Vasković and his family,” Mijatović said.
She said the latest incident adds to the atmosphere of impunity for attacks against journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina which can be stopped when all incidents are investigated, which has not been the case for many years.
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.