Bosnian journalist association slammed Presidency Chairman Milorad Dodik for the way he addressed BN Television correspondent during his New Year press conference, assessing that he violated the rules of professional communication.

‘BH Journalists’ (BH Novinari) association said Dodik “verbally attacked” BN Television (BN TV) and its reporter Sladjana Jasarevic during the press conference and thus called into question the integrity of this media outlet.

During the press conference which was held Sunday in Istocno Sarajevo, Dodik accused BN TV of destructing Republika Srpska, Bosnia's semi-autonomous, Serb-dominated part where he was nominated and then elected to Bosnia's state Presidency.

In what looked like a verbal conflict between Dodik and BN TV's Sladjana Jasarevic, Bosnian Serb leader urged “all patriots to leave that separatist television channel.”

Jasarevic then left the press conference.

‘BH Journalists’ association said that every assessment of work of media which is not supported by arguments is an attack on media freedoms, asking Dodik to respect the freedom of expression including the right of journalists to criticise his work as Bosnia Presidency Chairman.

“The post of the Presidency Chairman of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the highest ranking post in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Dodik's behaviour towards media and journalists should and must be worthy of that position and in line with the press conference protocol,” said the association.

‘BH Journalists’ expressed full support to Jasarevic and her decision to leave the press conference, calling on all reporters and media outlets to demonstrate solidarity with their colleagues including the boycott of politicians who destroy professional integrity of media professionals.