(IFJ/IFEX) – According to the IFJ’s information, on 13 September 1998 there was a serious incident of harassment of journalists working for RTVBiH while on assignment in Banja Luka. RTVBiH management, and the IFJ’s affiliate organisation, the Independent Union of Journalists of BiH, reported that three colleagues – Mladen Paunovic, Kemal Miminovic, and Brano Galvocevic […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – According to the IFJ’s information, on 13 September 1998 there
was a serious incident of harassment of journalists working for RTVBiH while
on assignment in Banja Luka. RTVBiH management, and the IFJ’s affiliate
organisation, the Independent Union of Journalists of BiH, reported that
three colleagues – Mladen Paunovic, Kemal Miminovic, and Brano Galvocevic –
were harassed and detained for a few hours. This is a serious case of
intimidation and clearly obstructed journalists from carrying out their work
during a critical period of election coverage.
The IFJ, which represents journalists in 102 countries, shares the concern
of its members that this incident constitutes a serious violation of the
rights of journalists and is evidence of contempt among some police and
security officials in Republika Srpska regarding the need for media to work
freely.
There have also been incidents of intimidation against journalists reported
in Siroki Brijeg and Foca. It is evident that during the election process
not all journalists have enjoyed freedom of movement within the country to
cover the election. Reports of intimidation by police persist.
Journalists are rightly concerned that having done what they can to meet the
demands of the Media Experts Commission during the election, there should be
a sharp response on the part of the OSCE against those who threaten the
safety of journalists and the freedoms media require to carry out their
work.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to:
Milovan Stankovic, Minister of Interior, Bijeljina, Republika Srpska
those responsible
Send appeals to:
Robert Barry, Ambassador, Organisation for Security and Co-operation in
Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
investigate them fully, and take action to hold accountable those found
responsible
Appeals To
Milovan Stankovic
Ministry of the Interior
Bijelijina, Republika Srpska
Fax: +381 76 472 685Robert Barry
Ambassador
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Fax: +387 71442 479
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
