Commenting on last week’s incidents endangering the security of journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU Delegation to BiH/EUSR Spokesperson, Andy McGuffie, said:

“Recent attacks on journalists – arson at the Slobodna Bosna offices in Sarajevo and offensive graffiti aimed at the BHT journalist Nermin Bise in Mostar – are a real cause for concern.

Journalists must be able to perform their work in full safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We strongly condemn all attacks on journalists and media houses and urge the law enforcement agencies to identify the perpetrators as soon as possible.

“As the Press Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina stated, without free media, there is no free society or free life for the citizens of the Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Freedom of expression is a key indicator of a country’s readiness to become part of the EU. Ensuring freedom of expression and of the media is one of the main challenges facing countries in the EU enlargement process. The EU is increasing its efforts in this area following the ‘Speak Up’ conference this year, and we are closely monitoring the situation in the media sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”