Bišćević-Tokić: Amendments to the Criminal Code of FBiH as a tool to silence journalists and critical voices

(Patria) - Amendments and additions to the Criminal Code of FBiH will also be on the agenda of the House of Representatives of the FBiH Parliament. Representative Jasmina Bišćević-Tokić (SDA) believes that this way the law would become a tool for silencing critical voices, which would have long-term negative consequences for democracy and media freedom in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"Do the proposed amendments and additions to the Criminal Code encourage crime in FBiH? According to the new provisions, unauthorized disclosure of case files, photographs, films, or recordings without the consent of the person can result in a fine or imprisonment for up to three years. This wording opens up room for abuse, as it can restrict journalists and media in their crucial role – uncovering information of public interest.

Instead of clearly distinguishing cases that violate privacy from those that serve the public interest, the amendments to the law potentially criminalize journalistic investigation and the publication of information about abuses, corruption, or other social problems. This seriously jeopardizes transparency, freedom of expression, and citizens' right to information," stated Bišćević-Tokić.

These amendments were prepared by the Ministry of Justice of FBiH, headed by Vedran Škobić (HDZ BiH).