October 6, 2008

06/10/2008 : BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – DEATH THREATS AGAINST MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES – BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Vienna06/10/2008

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is concerned about death threats against several media representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina

According to information before SEEMO, several media representatives from eFM Studentski Radio, Radio Sarajevo, BH Radio and the magazine Dani received death threat letters following media coverage of the “Queer Festival”, which was held in Sarajevo from 24-28 September 2008 and focused on the issues of identity, sexuality and human rights.

Commenting on this incident, SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic stated, “It is unacceptable that media representatives fall victim to intimidation and harassment simply for doing their jobs.” He further said that “a free media, educating the public and raising awareness of diversity, is an important benchmark for a modern democratic society.”