FUP on threats to RSE journalists: We will check if there were any omissions by police officers

Regarding the public protest by the Steering Board of the BiH Journalists' Association concerning alleged threats and unprofessional conduct by Federal Police Administration officers towards the team of Radio Free Europe – TV Liberty (RSE), during the security of the Parliament of the Federation of BiH building on September 21, 2017, we inform the public that the competent body of this Administration will act in accordance with the Law, i.e., in accordance with its competencies and authorities, in order to determine any omissions in the work of the police officers who were securing the facility, it was announced from the Federal Police Administration, writes Patria agency.

FUP notes that they have direct, i.e., primary jurisdiction when it comes to securing persons and facilities of the Government and Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and for this purpose, in accordance with legal procedures, they will undertake all necessary measures and actions to ensure the highest level of security.

- Regarding the protests of September 21, 2017, in front of the BiH Parliament, the association “Kamp Heroja” also issued a statement on September 25, 2017, which stated in its letter that the police acted extremely professionally, but that the cameraman of the Radio Free Europe TV team approached the protected area (behind the yellow tape) without announcement, and was prevented from doing so by police officers who were securing the facility. The same letter states, “the police’s attitude towards protesters and journalists was correct throughout the protest, and we jointly prevented potential incidents among individuals within the protesters” – FUP claims.

Although it was not announced anywhere that journalists were obliged to seek permission to pass behind the yellow tape, FUP police officers rudely entered into a discussion with Radio Free Europe colleagues and identified them in the process.

- If omissions by the police officers who were securing the facility are determined, this Police Administration will take adequate measures and actions in relation to them – FUP announced.

Otherwise, precisely because of this incident, journalists and media workers will hold a peaceful gathering on Friday in front of the FUP building in Sarajevo, starting at 2:00 PM, to point out the need to prevent such cases and enable journalists to carry out their daily tasks.

Police officers should be a support to journalists in their work, not those who threaten them, identify them, and endanger their freedom of movement.