BH Journalists condemn Dodik's attack on journalist Jašarević

(Patria) - The Steering Board of the BH Journalists Association has sent a public protest to Milorad Dodik, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, due to a verbal attack on BN Television from Bijeljina (BNTV) and their correspondent from Sarajevo, Slađana Jašarević.

At the annual press conference, held in East Sarajevo on December 30, Chairman Dodik, as stated by the Association, in a rude and inappropriate manner described BNTV as a "destroyer of Republika Srpska", thereby violating the rules of decent and professional communication with journalists and questioning the integrity of this media outlet.

BH Journalists believe that any qualifications and unargued assessments of media work are an attack on media freedom, and they demand that Milorad Dodik respect freedom of expression, including the right of journalists to a critical stance on his work in the position of Chairman of the BiH Presidency.

The Steering Board of BH Journalists reminds that Milorad Dodik, during his professional duties in several public positions, has become an infamous leader of arrogant, primitive, and unacceptable communication with media professionals, often abusing the power of public office and shamelessly insulting journalists, especially female journalists. The Steering Board of BH Journalists, therefore, publicly condemns such behavior and demands from Chairman Dodik a professional, reasonable, and decent attitude towards all media, regardless of their editorial policies.

The position of the Chairman of the BiH Presidency is the highest public office in this country, so Milorad Dodik's behavior towards the media and journalists should and must be worthy of such a position and in accordance with the protocol for organizing press conferences, the Association believes.

The Steering Board of BH Journalists gives full support to journalist Slađana Jašarević and her protest departure from the annual press conference, and calls on other journalists and media to show more professional solidarity with attacked colleagues, including boycotting politicians who undermine the professional integrity and human dignity of media professionals.