The Assembly of Republika Srpska (RS) adopted amendments to the Criminal Code criminalizing defamation in that entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Fines of up to 3,000 euros are envisaged for this. We asked the citizens of Banja Luka, IstocnoSarajevo and Doboj whether they will now watch what they say in public and on social networks. If they are fined, will they have the money to pay it? Do they dare to say anything about the proposer of the Law, the President of RS Milorad Dodik?
A fine of 3,000 euros is a threat to everyone. It refers to making “malicious claims and untruths about a person.”
This is defined by the amendments to the Criminal Code in the RS. According to them, defamation becomes a criminal offense. Citizens were asked if they would watch what they say in public and on social networks.
“I don’t think I would be able to watch what I write on social networks or anywhere, although I think there would be consequences, but I would bear them responsibly,” statedDragana Skenderija.
“I think I will close the accounts (on social networks), simply, I will give up, because it has become meaningless, as this law was adopted,” Darko Kojic said.
“I will continue to do so. In that manner, I will not insult and curse and without arguments I will not, never. And if I say something reasoned, then I think that you shouldn’t even be held accountable for something like that,” Brane Grahovac explained.
“I’m usually careful, I’m careful,” Sanja said.
When she was asked if she would pay more attention to the words in public space, Aleksandra said: “No, I will behave in the same way.”
“I will never be careful, I always tell the truth. The truth is always there,” said Hanumica Kikic.
“Well, you know what, I have never insulted anyone, nor do I like insults, but if I protect my interests, of course, I always stand behind what I said and I will continue to say it,” Maida Ajdin noted.
The law was condemned by international organizations, journalists and activists. It was proposed by Milorad Dodik, president of the RS entity.
“A very corrupt man. A man who only looks at his personal interest, and he is not interested in anything else,” explained one citizen.
“Given how much he ignores the public and the opinion of the public and the profession and all of us in general, I think the public should ignore him,“ said another citizen.
“And about Dodik, I said, I used to respect Tito. I was born a long time ago, a long time ago. They say if you mentioned Titoyou will go to prison. And what about Dodik, he has three billion, doesn’t he, and I don’t have enough for bread sometimes. I can’t retire,” said one of the citizens.
“The government is Zeljka (Cvijanovic), Dodik, one by one. Vucic, Dodik, that is how it is. Let these others, we won’t say anything,” Micun Jokanovic said.
“What should I say to him? Well, that’s not okay. Yes, human rights are threatened. That everything is worse for the people,” Branislav Bjelosevic said.
In the RS, the average salary is 1,284 BAM (656 euros). A fine of 3,000 euros requires almost five average salaries.
“And if I had that money, I wouldn’t pay for it. I would serve my sentence (in prison) because there is rebellion in me,” said one citizen.
“I just don’t know who can pay a fine of 3,000 euros when the wages are about 700 BAM (359 euros). People are barely making ends meet, ” says the citizen.
“The average citizen would certainly not be able to afford that punishment, but now it is problematic what exactly the definition of defamation will be. What will someone consider as defamation, ” told another citizen.
The law will enter into force if there is no veto in the People’s Council of the RS. The media announced that they would request an evaluation of its constitutionality, Slobodna Evropa reports.
E.Dz.
