Journalists Under Siege in Bosnia and Herzegovina as Attacks Soar in 2023

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has witnessed an alarming surge in threats and attacks against journalists since the start of 2023, with a staggering 39 cases reported, according to theEuropean Commission's latestreport on the country. The disturbing figure highlights a worrying decline in press freedom and the safety of media professionals in the Balkan nation, as journalists face a multitude of challenges ranging from verbal threats and public insults to physical assaults.

Why this matters: The erosion of press freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina has far-reaching implications for the country's democracy and ability to hold those in power accountable. The erosion of press freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina has far-reaching implications for the country's democracy and ability to hold those in power accountable. If left unchecked, these attacks could lead to a chilling effect on free speech and independent reporting, consequently threatening the public's access to accurate information.

Milanka Kovačević, a journalist and editor of the portal Direkt in Gacko, experienced firsthand the lack of protection from the state after being threatened and cursed by a dissatisfied citizen. "The case took a year to reach court, and the attacker was fined 350 euros," Kovačević revealed, highlighting the slow pace of justice and the inadequate consequences for those who target journalists.

Even high-profile journalists are not immune to attacks, as demonstrated by the case of Tijana Milinković, a journalist for BN Television from Bijeljina, who was publicly insulted and threatened by Milorad Dodik, the president of BiH and leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats. Despite the attack, Milinković remains undeterred, stating that it "awakened spite" in her and fueled her determination to continue her work.

The situation is further exacerbated by the introduction of repressive laws that threaten to stifle free speech and independent reporting. In July 2023, the Law on Criminalization of Defamation came into force in Republika Srpska, one of the two entities that make up BiH. The law has faced widespread criticism from journalists, activists, and the international community for its potential to restrict freedom of thought and speech.

Tijana Milinković believes that the law has already led to self-censorship among many media outlets. "You can already see a deviation and some apprehension when publishing texts and information," she observed, highlighting the chilling effect such legislation can have on press freedom and the dissemination of critical information.

Another proposed law, known as the law, agents, even before its adoption, aims to establish a special register and monitor the work of non-profit organizations. The Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina has warned that this law seeks to silence and intimidate civil society organizations, further eroding the space for free expression and critical voices in the country.

Snežana Mitrović, a journalist from N1 television, asserts that media freedoms were under threat even before the introduction of these repressive laws. She points out that the government of Republika Srpska frequently labels her television station as a "Western American anti-Serbian media," effectively painting a target on the backs of its journalists and undermining their credibility.

TheEuropean Federation ofJournalists has sounded the alarm, releasing a report titled"Media freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina is fighting for survival. The report paints a grim scenario, highlighting the dramatic threats to media freedoms in BiH and the immense pressure journalists and media workers face, particularly in the Republika Srpska entity.

Maja Sever, the president of the European Federation of Journalists, emphasizes the vital role of supporting and protecting professional and quality journalism. "In today's time, journalists in BiH are the target of populist attacks by politicians and the target of ordinary people who are encouraged by politicians to carry out such attacks,"Sever warned, underscoring the urgent need for action to safeguard journalists and their vital work.

As Bosnia and Herzegovina confronts the escalating threats against journalists and the erosion of media freedoms, the international community and local authorities must take decisive action to protect the rights and safety of media professionals. The future of democracy and free speech in the country hangs in the balance, and the world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the plight of those who risk their lives to inform the public and hold the powerful accountable.

Key Takeaways

• 39 cases of threats/attacks on journalists reported in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2023.
• Erosion of press freedom threatens democracy and accountability in the country.
• Repressive laws, like the Law on Criminalization of Defamation, stifle free speech and independent reporting.
• Journalists face verbal threats, public insults, and physical assaults with inadequate consequences.
• International community and local authorities must act to protect journalists' rights and safety.