When will journalists turn their backs on Dodik because of his threats and insults

Milorad Dodik is certainly the politician with the most press conferences held in BiH. However, Milorad Dodik is also the politician who most often enters into conflicts with journalists. Another politician has followed in those footsteps, but that is not the topic of this text.

Today, at a press conference on Kozara, Dodik's monologue lasted 45 minutes. A journalist from Klix was the first to ask a question, and Dodik reacted vehemently. First, he accused the media outlet for which he works of fueling the negative political atmosphere in BiH, and then he threatened the journalist with his finger and told him not to interrupt him, saying "do you understand" and that he "did not come to Zanzibar but to RS". Although Dodik answered the question, albeit what he wanted to say whether someone asked him or not, such an approach towards journalists is inherent to dictators or those who know they will not face any sanctions.

The President of RS @MiloradDodik is again threatening journalists: "Don't interrupt me again. Do you understand?", Dodik threatened a journalist from @klixba pic.twitter.com/RYSOpuobQO

— Istraga.ba (@IstragaB) July 2, 2023

Dodik's arrogant attitude towards journalists was also present at the press conference in Konjic after a meeting where he cursed the genocide. First, he told journalists that they were well-informed, and then during questions, he got into an argument with some of them.

He told the editor and journalist of the Istraga portal, Avdo Avdić, not to "appreciate his bosses who are out, and that he will also be out soon", and a few minutes later he said that Avdić was "important" and listened to the question.

To Avdić's question on how he would ban the work of the Prosecutor's Office, the Court, and SIPA, Dodik said "how is Osmica doing", referring to the former director of OSA. Avdić replied, "better than you". Such a conversation is not common with politicians, especially not at press conferences.

Pro-Russian separatist and President of RS @MiloradDodik threatens the editor of @IstragaB: "You will also be out" pic.twitter.com/BhsErTWk9U

— Istraga.ba (@IstragaB) June 30, 2023

He got into arguments with several other female journalists, and the tone and manner in which he addressed them fall under rudeness and bullying behavior.

Dodik very often asks journalists which media outlet they work for, regardless of whether they have introduced themselves beforehand or not, and then he always has some additional comment.

His attacks on journalists from BN television, N1, and FTV are well-known. He often refused to answer some of the journalists' questions. All of that remained in the past.

What is surprising is that journalists very rarely leave press conferences, which would send a message to any politician that they cannot address journalists in such a manner.
However, there has been no solidarity in the journalistic community for a long time, so much so that attacks on some journalists are even condoned, or journalists themselves are even put on Dodik's side.

For example, when asking questions at a conference in Istočno Sarajevo, it can happen that journalists from media outlets close to Dodik shout out or interfere with the questions.

Details emerging from the meeting in Konjic show that Dodik is no longer a party to any polite conversation. Therefore, editors and media houses should take a unified or at least a majority stance towards Dodik and his conferences. Because broadcasting his daily insults and threats only "boosts his ego", as he himself stated regarding the sanctions from the international community.