The OSCE Representative on Media Freedom, as well as Bosnia’s journalist association BH Novinari, condemned on Friday the insults and death threats against N1 reporter Nikola Vucic over a Twitter post.

OSCE’s Harlem Desir called upon Bosnian authorities to investigate the threats and ensure the safety of Vucic and his family.

I strongly condemn the online targeting, insults and death threats against @N1infoSA journalist Nikola Vučić, in relation to one of his posts on Twitter. I call on the #BiH authorities to investigate and ensure the safety of Vučić and his family. #JournoSafe

— OSCE media freedom (@OSCE_RFoM) May 29, 2020

The BH Journalists Association said that the social media campaign targeting Vucic, which includes hate speech and threats of violence, is “unacceptable” and called upon police in Bosnia’s Federation (FBiH) region to urgently investigate it and bring those behind it to justice.

“Disagreement with Vucic’s comment may not serve as justification for violence or death threats, since freedom of speech and public political debate includes criticism, denial, challenging and argumentative discussion on one’s claims and stances,” the association said.

It also added that it will inform the police, Bosnia’s Press Council, local online media, the Communications Regulatory Agency, as well as all other media organisations and institutions across the country and Europe of the threats.