Mijatović: RTRS's shameful report dehumanizes, breeds fear, and builds a narrative of threat

(Patria) - Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović sharply condemned the shameful report by RTRS aired on the show "Pečat", which discusses the purchase of apartments in East Sarajevo. She stated that the report dehumanizes, breeds fear, and builds a narrative of threat.

"This report cannot be seen as a mere rhetorical or editorial error; it carries serious social consequences and demands accountability. Instead of informing the public, the report directs viewers to see their fellow citizens through a lens of suspicion and danger, rather than as equal members of the community. Such an approach is contrary to the fundamental principles of professional journalism and is in direct conflict with ethical standards. In a country that has experienced war, ethnic cleansing, and genocide, the narrative in "Pečat" is not only unprofessional but also deeply irresponsible and dangerous. The history of Bosnia and Herzegovina clearly shows that words are not harmless. The language of dehumanization has always been a prelude to exclusion, violence, and persecution," Mijatović warned.

Let us recall that the scandalous report was published on Thursday evening.

"Official and unofficial data show that hundreds of apartments in East Sarajevo have been purchased by Bosniaks from Sarajevo in the last decade, which is, of course, legally permitted. The frenzy for square meters in the former Serb Sarajevo is mainly interpreted as an affordable price. However, citizens and officials from East Sarajevo recognize dangerous trends in this, recalling "dark" images from the past when, at the beginning of the war and then in a biblical exodus, they had to leave their homes in federal Sarajevo because their Bosniak neighbors wanted them to," stated RTRS.

A complaint has also been filed with the Communications Regulatory Agency (RAK).