Strikes against Freedom of Expression

Having received the information via media about threats being directed against reporters of the Federation TV and the 60 Minutes current affairs programme, as well as the Oslobodjenje and Dnevni avaz dailies, we have considered this to be the harshest attack against the freedom of media in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also against personal integrity, safety and lives of journalists and their families.

It is obvious that the process of democratisation of the society, media included, is accompanied by growing pressures and intimidation of journalists and media houses, which represents the most direct violation of the right to freedom of expression and the to personal freedom and safety.

Therefore, the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina wants to express support for all heralds of public word, whose aim is to correctly and impartially inform the citizens.

Regarding the latest threats against media, the Helsinki Committee expects decisive, speedy and efficient action of the police and prosecution service to discover the sowers of fear and bring them to justice. At the same time, the public would have to be informed about measures taken for protection of journalists and media houses.

No.: 05-02/2006
Sarajevo, 8 February 2006