Recent threats and attack on journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina unacceptable, says OSCE media freedom representative

VIENNA, 16 September 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned a recent physical attack and threats against journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to media reports, on Tuesday night journalist Ismar Imamović was attacked by a masked man after walking out from the RTV Visoko building. This incident was reported to police in Visoko.

“Violence against journalists is unacceptable and must not be tolerated,” Mijatović said.

On 15 September, N1 news channel and its entire staff received threats of physical violence over the phone and online. According to this media outlet, the threats were triggered by publication of a list with personal details of 161 persons wanted by INTERPOL. The incident has been reported to the police of Canton Sarajevo and INTERPOL.

“I call on authorities to thoroughly investigate these incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Mijatović said. “There must be no impunity for attacks or threats against journalists.”