The Head of the OSCE Mission in Bosnia and the ambassadors of Germany, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States condemned “continuous attacks and undue pressure on the media” in the country and called on authorities at all government levels to “enable a conducive environment for media freedom and freedom of expression.”
The full statement follows:
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“The Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ambassadors of Germany, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States once again strongly condemn continuous attacks and undue pressure on the media in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the most recent cases in Banja Luka and Visoko.
A free and independent media is an essential component of a functioning society, leading to greater stability and prosperity. Journalists have a crucial function in maintaining the integrity of democracy, the rule of law and good governance. They play an important role in the election process as they are a bridge between political parties and voters. Journalists and media workers have to be free to do their job without the fear of reprisal. At the same time, politicians and public officials are expected to exercise respectful and accountable behaviour.
We continue to stand by journalists and media workers in the important work they do and call on all levels of authority in BiH to enable a conducive environment for media freedom and freedom of expression.”
