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Threats against journalists condemned in Bosnia and Herzegovina
SARAJEVO 18 April 2000
SARAJEVO, 18 April 2000 - The Office of the High Representative and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina express their deepest concern over an abusive leaflet that was distributed throughout Livno last week. The leaflet insulted both the persons and the work of the editor-in-chief of the independent radio station 'Studio N', Frano Mioc, and one of its journalists, Zeljka Mihaljevic. The pamphlet accuses the two journalists of being "miserable mercenaries" acting solely out of financial interest, "spitting and vomiting on everything that represents Croat legal authority in Livno."
The offensive pamphlet represents a continuation of the threats directed to obstruct the establishment of free and independent media in Canton 10. 'Studio N' is the only independent radio station in the Livno area, and is widely respected among journalists and citizens for its fair, balanced and accurate reporting. It has been the object of politically motivated pressures in the past, including the brutal beating of Mrs Mihaljevic's husband in March 1999 by unknown assailants. Like other media in politically hard-line areas, it must often stand alone against serious and persistent forms of intimidation and threat.
Free journalistic inquiry is one of the most important elements in the process of democratization of society, and this attempt of intimidation is an open attack by those political operatives that still call for the rule of fear, violence and secrecy.
In order for Bosnia and Herzegovina to enter the European Community, it must show that it is committed to the protection of human rights, including journalists' rights. Those who deprive journalists or citizens of the freedom of expression - whether acting as individuals or on behalf of political or governmental authorities - deprive Bosnia and Herzegovina of its future as a democratic and prosperous nation.
The OHR and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina call upon the political leaders of Livno - the HDZ - to join us in condemning such acts to demonstrate their commitment to justice and reconciliation.
We also urge the Canton 10 authorities to undertake the necessary investigations to determine the origin of the leaflet.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace, the OSCE activities are to promote democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society; foster the development of professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists; monitor and advance the human rights situation; supervise the conduct of elections, and encourage Regional Stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures.
The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accords.
MEDIA CONTACT: For information, contact the Press and Public Information, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, tel.: (+387-71) 292 172; fax: (+387-71) 292 289; website: www.oscebih.org; e-mail: press.ba@osce.org
The offensive pamphlet represents a continuation of the threats directed to obstruct the establishment of free and independent media in Canton 10. 'Studio N' is the only independent radio station in the Livno area, and is widely respected among journalists and citizens for its fair, balanced and accurate reporting. It has been the object of politically motivated pressures in the past, including the brutal beating of Mrs Mihaljevic's husband in March 1999 by unknown assailants. Like other media in politically hard-line areas, it must often stand alone against serious and persistent forms of intimidation and threat.
Free journalistic inquiry is one of the most important elements in the process of democratization of society, and this attempt of intimidation is an open attack by those political operatives that still call for the rule of fear, violence and secrecy.
In order for Bosnia and Herzegovina to enter the European Community, it must show that it is committed to the protection of human rights, including journalists' rights. Those who deprive journalists or citizens of the freedom of expression - whether acting as individuals or on behalf of political or governmental authorities - deprive Bosnia and Herzegovina of its future as a democratic and prosperous nation.
The OHR and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina call upon the political leaders of Livno - the HDZ - to join us in condemning such acts to demonstrate their commitment to justice and reconciliation.
We also urge the Canton 10 authorities to undertake the necessary investigations to determine the origin of the leaflet.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace, the OSCE activities are to promote democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society; foster the development of professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists; monitor and advance the human rights situation; supervise the conduct of elections, and encourage Regional Stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures.
The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accords.
MEDIA CONTACT: For information, contact the Press and Public Information, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, tel.: (+387-71) 292 172; fax: (+387-71) 292 289; website: www.oscebih.org; e-mail: press.ba@osce.org