Bećirović sends congratulatory message on World Press Freedom Day

(Patria) - Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović sent a congratulatory message to journalists and all media employees on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.

"Any society that aspires to be democratic must ensure full freedom of the media, freedom of speech and freedom of expression. It is a strategic interest to ensure complete press freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as this is one of the important steps towards achieving European democratic standards, necessary for a successful integration path to the European Union.

Today, journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina are very often targets of harsh verbal attacks by some Bosnian-Herzegovinian political officials. They suffer insults, restrictions on access to information, threats... It is unacceptable for journalists and the media to be under the influence of certain government institutions, politicians and political organizations, and for their work and livelihood to directly depend on politicians. The criminalization of defamation in the BiH entity of the RS is particularly concerning, as it restricts freedom of expression contrary to European standards. Bosnia and Herzegovina faces an important task of ensuring full journalistic freedoms and rights by harmonizing its legislation with the European legal acquis, with the support of Western partners, and thus democratizing its society.

I wish all journalists and media employees in Bosnia and Herzegovina a happy World Press Freedom Day!" the congratulatory message states.