BH JOURNALISTS: Information about the planned murder of Avdo Avdić requires an urgent and decisive reaction from institutions

(Patria) - The BH Journalists Association and the Helpline for Journalists express deep concern over information that a car bomb, seized in January in the Milići area, according to operational intelligence of police agencies, was intended for the liquidation of journalist and editor of the portal Istraga.ba, Avdo Avdić.

"We welcome the professional and responsible reaction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, which shared this information in a timely manner with other police agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the further actions of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), the Federal Police Administration, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Sarajevo Canton. We consider it extremely important that the competent institutions exchanged operational data and informed journalist Avdić himself about everything, which represents an example of responsible action in protecting the safety of journalists," the reaction stated.

At the same time, we strongly criticize the decision of the District Public Prosecutor's Office in East Sarajevo,
which released the suspects, and the refusal of the Municipal Court in Sarajevo to order
detention for the same individuals at the proposal of the Cantonal Prosecutor's Office of Sarajevo Canton. It is alarming that the judicial institutions did not recognize the need for stricter measures, namely ordering detention for the suspects, which further endangers the safety not only of Avdo Avdić, but indirectly also of all journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BH Journalists demand that the competent judicial institutions urgently review the decisions made and ensure that this case is treated with the full seriousness it requires.

We expect an efficient, thorough, and impartial investigation that will result in the prosecution of all responsible parties. Furthermore, we demand that all competent police agencies ensure the full and continuous protection of the safety of journalist Avdo Avdić and his family members without delay. Any failure in this regard would be unacceptable and would represent the direct responsibility of the system's institutions. Attacks and threats against journalists must not and will not be tolerated. Attempts to intimidate the media and endanger the safety of journalists must be met with a decisive and clear response from state institutions," the statement reads.

BH Journalists and the Helpline for Journalists will continue to insist on the accountability of institutions and the adequate protection of journalists' rights, and will closely monitor the development of this case, about which we will also inform international organizations and diplomatic missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.