Investigative journalist arrested in Bosnia, says it's retaliation for crime reporting

An inspector from the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Nataša Miljanović Zubac, a correspondent for the public broadcaster Radio Television of Republika Srpska (RTRS) from Trebinje, were detained based on an order from the BiH Prosecutor's Office, which is conducting an investigation.

The Prosecutor's Office has not disclosed what exactly it is investigating, but BiH media recall that Miljanović Zubac previously published a series of reports warning about illegalities in the Border Police and the connection of persons from security structures with criminal groups.

When police appeared late on Thursday evening at her family home in Trebinje with a search warrant and detention order, Miljanović Zubac described it as revenge for her journalistic work.

"I have pointed out corruption in the BiH Border Police and the case of Nemanja Nogoštić, who was disclosing official data to members of the (Montenegrin) Škaljari clan. He has not been arrested. I believe the system is taking revenge on me," she said.

The BH Novinari journalists' association reacted with a statement expressing shock over the journalist's detention.

It described the arrest as an inappropriate show of force, strongly rejecting the attempt to criminalise Miljanović Zubac, and called for arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators of criminal acts.

The association demanded her immediate release and that she be allowed to give a statement voluntarily and with a lawyer present.

The RTRS Journalists' Union stated that "there are clear indications that this constitutes pressure from the BiH Prosecutor's Office against investigative journalism," for which Miljanović Zubac is known publicly and for which she has received threats multiple times.

The Our Party (Naša Stranka, NS), part of the ruling coalition in BiH, also stated that media freedom has been attacked, emphasising that cases like this can represent a serious threat to democratic processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The offence Miljanović Zubac is charged with carries a prison sentence ranging from six months to five years.