OSCE media freedom representative welcomes prosecution and indictments for threats against journalists in Croatia, encourages authorities to ensure journalists’ safety

VIENNA, 25 January 2017 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović, today wrote to Foreign Minister Davor Ivo Stier, welcoming the steps taken by the authorities to investigate cases raised by her Office.

Two weeks ago, a perpetrator responsible for threats against journalist Ema Branica was sentenced to 10 months in prison by the Municipal Criminal Court in Zagreb.

The Representative also welcomed the decision of the District Attorney’s Office in Zlatar to issue an indictment against a person who was arrested in November last year for sending threatening messages to Saša Leković, president of the Croatian Journalists’ Association.

“These are very commendable efforts, the results of which will help ensure the safety of journalists in Croatia and should be highlighted as a positive example for other states as they fight against impunity,” Mijatović wrote in the letter to the Foreign Minister.

Additionally, Mijatović took note of the case of Jagoda Bastalić, a journalist working for Croatian Radio and Television, who according to media reports, had received threats and reported them to the police.

“Given recent developments in the country, I am very hopeful that authorities will ensure the safety of the journalist,” Mijatović said, noting that police have already launched a criminal investigation into the case.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.