On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the EU Office in BiH in co-operation with the OSCE Mission in BiH, organised an event “The Role of Prosecutors’ Offices and Police in Ending Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists” on 2 November 2023 in Sarajevo, presenting the new network of contact points in prosecutor’s offices and police agencies across Bosnia and Herzegovina that are expected to support journalists if they are attacked.
Ambassador Johann Sattler, Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU Special Representative in BiH, said that journalists play a critical role in promoting freedom of expression and upholding democracy by providing information and reporting on important issues, and they have EU’s full support.
“Unfortunately, we are witnessing constant attacks against journalists as well as a hostile environment for media freedom. Those who attack and threaten journalists in BiH include public officials and political actors. We have also seen regrettable trends across BiH, and especially in Republika Srpska to adopt or propose legislation that shrinks civic space and encourages self-censorship. I am glad that we partnered up with OSCE and HJPC to work with Prosecutor’s Offices, Police Agencies and Interior Ministries to provide journalists additional access to institutional remedies through the appointments of contact points”, said Ambassador Sattler.
Journalists, media professionals, police and judiciary representatives gathered to acknowledge the critical importance of protecting journalists and ensuring their safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This initiative is a response to the rising number of attacks and incidents involving journalists and media professionals.
“This joint initiative is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our organizations to safeguarding the fundamental human right of freedom of expression and the critical role that journalists play in our democratic societies,” said Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH.
The event featured a substantive panel discussion, featuring several journalists who shared their personal experiences as targets and victims of both online and offline violence, with the designated contact points in attendance.
Darko Martinčević, Prosecutor at the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office, who is also one of the appointed Contact Points, said that the role of prosecutor’s offices and police is crucial when it comes to protection of journalists.
“I would like to invite all journalists who are victims of criminal acts to report them without delays as exactly the timely reporting of criminal acts helps in swift investigation of the perpetrators”, said Martinčević.
Slađan Tomić, a panellist and journalist at the online magazine Buka, said that often the lack of consequences for violence against journalists is rooted in inadequate legislation.
“Inspectors and prosecutors frequently assert that the prosecution of criminal offenses endangering security would be more feasible with more adaptable criminal law. Hence, it is imperative to not only address the implementation of existing laws, but also to consider their potential amendments,” said Tomić.
