OSCE MISSION TO BiH CONDEMNS THREATS AND TARGETING OF OFFICIALS, JOURNALISTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

SARAJEVO, SEPTEMBER 1 /SRNA/ - The OSCE Mission to BiH has strongly condemned all threats, intimidation and targeting of public officials, journalists and members of their families, warning that increasingly inflammatory public discourse threatens to further undermine public security, democratic participation and media freedom.

When asked by SRNA to comment on the hate speech voiced daily by politicians from the Federation of BiH since the death of General Ratko Mladić, including posts on social media and comments made in statements on the BiH public broadcaster and other media outlets in the Federation of BiH, the OSCE Mission stressed that such threats are unacceptable and constitute a direct attack on democratic participation, media freedom and the right to live free from fear and intimidation. The OSCE noted that the relevant authorities must respond swiftly and effectively to threats, intimidation, harassment or other forms of pressure against journalists and media organisations, including in the online sphere. While criticism of public officials' statements on political matters is a legitimate part of democratic discourse, they said, threats of violence, whether direct or implicit, against public officials are unacceptable and undemocratic and may constitute a criminal offence. They called on all institutions responsible for public order and the rule of law to act swiftly and impartially to protect those being threatened and to prevent and sanction any incitement to hatred or violence. "This includes conduct such as denying adjudicated crimes or glorifying individuals convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, where such conduct constitutes incitement," the Mission noted. Recalling its earlier statement - respect the victims, do not glorify the perpetrators - the OSCE said that those entrusted with public office have a particular responsibility not to use their influence to deepen divisions or cause additional pain to victims and survivors. "Respect for adjudicated facts, the dignity of victims, freedom of expression and the safety of every individual are not mutually exclusive principles. They are key foundations of a democratic society, as well as lasting peace and reconciliation in BiH," the OSCE Mission to BiH said.