OSCE ON THE MILJANOVIĆ ZUBAC CASE: We remind the authorities in BiH that media freedom is protected by the Constitution

(Patria) - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina express concern over the recent legal proceedings initiated against investigative journalist Nataša Miljanović Zubac.

"We remind the authorities that media freedom is protected by the Constitution of BiH. This carries a corresponding obligation to carefully consider the public's right to be informed, particularly regarding potential irregularities in the conduct of officials," the statement said.

It adds: "Our offices have noted previous instances of harassment and intimidation against Zubac, who has an established record of serious and legitimate investigative reporting."

"The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina emphasize the need for proper application of existing constitutional and legal protective measures, as well as relevant obligations that BiH has undertaken as an OSCE participating State, to ensure that journalists can operate freely and protect their sources.

Furthermore, we stress the crucial role journalists play in contributing to transparency, holding authorities accountable, and fostering an informed and democratic society, and we will continue to support efforts aimed at their protection," the statement concluded.