Called Police to Interview: BH Journalists Demand Apology from Kravić

(Patria) - The Management Board of the BH Journalists Association sends a public protest to Zlatko Kravić, director of the General Hospital „Prim dr Abdulah Nakaš“ in Sarajevo, due to pressure on journalist Ervin Mušinović and demands to reveal the sources of information that the Klix portal obtained while reporting on the death of a newborn and the poor health condition of two other babies, born in this hospital in early September 2019.

"During the interview, Director Kravić called the police with the intention of intimidating journalist Mušinović and forcing him to reveal the sources of information, so that part of the journalistic interview was conducted in the presence of police, the identification of the journalist, and giving a statement regarding the information published on the Klix portal. The Management Board of BH Journalists considers the conduct of Mr. Zlatko Kravić unacceptable and deems it an impermissible violation of the right to freedom of expression, an integral part of which is the right to protection of sources of information, especially information of public interest.

Calling the police and their presence during an interview, as well as Dr. Kravić's attempt to further intimidate the journalist with new institutional pressure – announcing a lawsuit and calling on the prosecutor's office to get involved in the investigation of the “leak” of information from this health institution, is contrary to media freedoms and the right to free and dignified work," the statement said.

The Management Board of BH Journalists demands from Dr. Zlatko Kravić a public apology to journalist Ervin Mešanović and the editorial board of the Klix portal, as well as the cessation of all procedures related to the journalist's right to use anonymous sources and their protection, as well as media freedoms in general.

"The rights of journalists and media freedom in BiH are protected by the legal framework, the code of journalistic ethics, and European standards of freedom of expression, with the obligation of their acceptance and respect by all institutions and individuals in this country, including the director of the General Hospital „Prim dr Abdulah Nakaš“ in Sarajevo."