When Konaković interprets, and the media report: In BiH, the news is what Komšić didn't say, not where Dodik really is!

By: A. Čorbo-Zećo

BiH does not suffer from bad journalism, but rather from active participation in creating narratives that suit certain political figures. Today, it was Elmedin Konaković, who literally invented a story that Željko Komšić said in Turkey that dialogue should be opened with Milorad Dodik.

Here is what Komšić actually said:

“The institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina – courts, prosecutor's offices, and police – must show that they can do their job even under pressure. Of course, it is a difficult path, with risks, but it is the only path that Bosnia and Herzegovina should take.

Any new negotiations with Dodik regarding the prison sentence might temporarily bring calm, but would open the door to new crises. Therefore, Bosnia and Herzegovina and its institutions must act in accordance with the laws and the Constitution," Komšić told Turkish media.

And then, BiH media confused Konaković with their headlines. It is difficult to say that this was accidental. And the Minister of Foreign Affairs, under pressure from major problems, latched onto the 'beloved' Komšić.

In a situation where the media do not perform their basic duty – fact-checking – a dangerous effect occurs where disinformation becomes "truth", and citizens lose trust in everything, from politicians to news headlines.

Because precisely the media that confused with their headlines, have Komšić's statement in their texts that completely excludes the possibility of political bargaining with Dodik, and actually advocates for strict adherence to the law and an institutional response.

The fact that this statement is twisted in public and the media as a call for "dialogue" can only be described as intentional spreading of disinformation.

Thus, tonight, news programs open with a half-story that someone in Turkey is calling for dialogue with Dodik, and not with what is the news of the day – Milorad Dodik traveled to Serbia despite the arrest warrant! Konaković did not dedicate a social media post to this today.

Ultimately, whether it is an attempt to create an illusion of political dialogue or to direct public attention to imaginary negotiations, it is clear that the responsibility is equal – both for those who send such messages and for those who uncritically report them.

What is further worrying is that such lies or half-truths cause BiH to 'quarrel' with Turkey and President Erdoğan.

And this is no longer an accidental mistake, but a method. Because while they divert our attention to fabricated messages from Turkey, real news, such as the fact that Dodik traveled abroad despite the arrest warrant, remains in the background.