OSCE on the 'Spengavanje' Affair and Pressures on Media: Allegations of Improper Influence Must Be Investigated, Journalists Must Be Free to Work

(Patria) - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Mission) is closely following reports about the recently uncovered alleged correspondence between the Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Director of the Federal Police Administration, as well as subsequent statements and actions directed at the media after the publication, the OSCE stated in response to an inquiry by the Patria News Agency.

We asked the OSCE to comment on the allegations from the published correspondence of Federal Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić and the FUP Director regarding interference in the investigation, "spengavanje" (tailgating) of some criminals, the Prime Minister's interest in individual investigations, the very communication between the Prime Minister and the head of the police agency, and the seeking of certain positions, which points to influence peddling and corruption.
 
"The Mission emphasizes that it is the responsibility of the competent institutions to act in accordance with the law and investigate all allegations of misconduct or improper influence thoroughly and impartially, without any form of political or institutional pressure," they stated.

Given that journalist Avdo Avdić, who published the correspondence, stated that these messages have been in the possession of prosecutor's offices for months, which have not taken actions within their jurisdiction, and now that they have been publicly released, pressure is being exerted on the media, threats of prosecution are being made, letters are being sent to the media from positions of power, both by FUP Director Vahidin Munjić and the Prime Minister, who mentioned that there will be arrests due to the "leak" of information, we sought the OSCE's position.

"Free and independent media are key to transparency, public accountability, and the protection of democracy and the rule of law. Journalists must be able to report on matters of public interest without fear of retaliation or interference in their work. The Mission further emphasizes that any form of pressure, intimidation, or threats against journalists is unacceptable. Media freedom is a fundamental human right.

The Mission will continue to monitor developments in this regard and calls on the competent institutions to ensure the safety of journalists and their right to work freely in accordance with domestic and international law and standards," the OSCE response states.