Mantil of Dr. Sebija Izetbegović reveals that the interview was recorded in two parts

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The interview with the General Director of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo, Dr. Sebija Izetbegović, which was withdrawn from BHT's program schedule a few days earlier, was finally broadcast last night.

The state television of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced the interview with Dr. Izetbegović last week, but the interview was abruptly withdrawn from the program schedule, sparking sharp criticism in the Bosnian public. Neither BHT's editorial board nor KCUS provided the public with precise information on why the broadcast of the announced interview was halted.

Unofficially, media reported that Dr. Izetbegović was displeased with some shots in the interview, which is why she stopped its broadcast.

"It is entirely legitimate for an interviewee to stop an interview if they are dissatisfied with some of its parts, but it is equally fair to inform the public about it," commented media experts.

In the interview broadcast on Saturday evening, it can be noticed that Dr. Izetbegović is not wearing the same coat at the beginning and end of the interview. For example, at the beginning of the interview, there is no inscription on the left pocket of Dr. Izetbegović's coat, while at the end of the interview, the same pocket bears the inscription "Prof. Dr. Sebija Izetbegović." The collar of the coat at the beginning and end of the interview is also different, as are some other details in the frame.

"There are only two explanations: either the original interview was also recorded in two parts, which is absolutely possible and legitimate, or the media were right when they criticized that Dr. Izetbegović was not pleased with some parts of the interview, which were subsequently corrected and then broadcast," is one of the comments on social networks.

Long-time radio and television journalist Sanel Kajan told the Patria agency that recording, interrupting, and then resuming recording a conversation with an interviewee is allowed if the interviewee feels unwell, has a severe stutter, or if a major technical error occurs. In that case, recording can be interrupted to resolve the difficulties and the conversation continues. With a short break. Taking a break of several days, Kajan believes, is nevertheless unprofessional.

"It is obvious that this interview was re-recorded and assembled in editing. In the specific case of Professor Izetbegović, this was done in an unprofessional manner. BHT, as a public broadcaster, should not have allowed this," Kajan believes. He does not want to comment on the content of the interview itself. He supports any discussion about abuses in public institutions. However, he says, it is obvious that these matters have been overshadowed by serious failures that should not have happened to a public broadcaster, without offering the public a serious explanation at any point.