Bosnian journalists face rising threats amid legal gaps and institutional inaction, EU-backed report warns

The comprehensive analysis reveals that despite existing laws and initiatives, actual protection for media workers remains minimal and inconsistent.

No state media law: Legal vacuum favours the powerful

While laws on access to information and defamation exist, Bosnia and Herzegovina still lacks a unified state-level media law. In Republika Srpska, the situation has worsened with the recent criminalisation of defamation and the proposed “foreign agents” law, posing a direct threat to independent journalism. Journalists facing defamation charges often endure prolonged court proceedings, effectively labelling them as criminal suspects.

Attacks increasing, perpetrators rarely punished

According to the BH Journalists Association, there were 87 documented attacks on journalists in 2023 alone. The OSCE has raised concerns over the country’s decline by 17 positions in the World Press Freedom Index. Bosnia now ranks 81st out of 180 countries. Most attacks go unpunished, and institutional responses are often inadequate or absent.

Prominent cases highlight culture of intimidation

The report cites several alarming incidents: the assault on journalist Vladimir Kovacevic, the arson of a journalist’s car in Trebinje, tire-slashing targeting a portal owner in Mostar, and a violent attack on reporters during the Women’s March in Banja Luka.

Journalists are also targeted with cyberattacks and economic pressure. Investigative outlet Zurnal has suffered multiple large-scale DDoS attacks, while some reporters have been offered bribes to halt coverage of sensitive issues.

Proposed solutions: Tech tools, legal support, and systemic reform

As part of the project, a mobile application called PressAlert has been proposed to enable journalists to quickly report attacks, access legal assistance, and contact relevant institutions. Additional recommendations include psychological support and training programs to help journalists understand their rights and protections.

Institutions acknowledge issues, but action remains slow

Despite meetings with prosecutors, police, and international actors, the report highlights inconsistent practices and weak enforcement. For instance, some police stations reportedly refuse to accept phone reports, and officers often fail to act unless the offence carries a sentence of over five years.

Key recommendations: Legal reform, education, and political accountability

The report recommends the adoption of a comprehensive media law, the decriminalisation of defamation, enhanced institutional coordination, specialised training for police and prosecutors, and structured psychological support for media professionals. Crucially, it calls on political leaders to publicly and unequivocally condemn all attacks on journalists, without minimising their severity.