New attacks on media freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina, OSCE representative calls for swift and thorough investigation

VIENNA, 24 June 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned the brutal beating of writer and columnist Slavo Kukić. 

“Only yesterday did I remind the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina that there must be no impunity for attacks against journalists. These latest attacks clearly show that the perpetrators do not fear committing brutal acts against those whose opinions they do not share,” Mijatović said.

On June 23 Professor Slavo Kukić, a prominent writer and columnist, was brutally assaulted with a baseball bat in Mostar. He suffered head injuries and was hospitalized.

“This is an attack on freedom of expression and as such must be treated with utmost priority to bring the perpetrators and the masterminds to justice. Governments have a duty to promote, protect and safeguard a plurality of views and opinions in a society,” Mijatović said.

“It is encouraging that the investigation has already started and that some of the leading political parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina condemned this attack. Words must be followed by action to prevent an atmosphere of impunity for attacks on media freedom in the country”.

Further, following a string of incidents targeting the BiH Press Council, an attempted break-in was made to the organization’s premises in Sarajevo during the weekend. Staff members of the press council have previously received threats and the organization’s website has been subject to several attacks.

“A fully functioning, independent press council is essential to safeguard free and pluralistic media. I call on the authorities to swiftly investigate the attempted burglary and all threats directed at the staff and members of the Council,” Mijatović said.

Mijatović’s statement from 23 June is available at www.osce.org/fom/120091

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 facebook.com/osce.rfom.