OSCE concerned about measures against "fake news" regarding coronavirus

(Patria) – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir, and Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Kathleen Kavalec expressed concern over the Republika Srpska government's announcement of introducing new measures against the spread of "fake news" concerning the coronavirus epidemic in BiH.

An OSCE press release states that "the BiH entity of Republika Srpska last Thursday announced a decree introducing criminal measures, including fines, for spreading "fake news" about the coronavirus in the media and on social networks, thereby spreading panic.".

The OSCE refers to media reports stating that "similar measures have been introduced in the Brčko District, while the Minister of Internal Affairs of the FBiH proposed that the federal government ban fake news or claims.".

- I fully understand the goal of confronting the spread of false information that creates panic and disorder in a time of health crisis, but such regulations should not stand in the way of the free work of journalists or their ability to report on the pandemic and provide information necessary to the public. The media are an indispensable ally in providing information relevant to citizens and in combating "fake news", says Désir, adding that "the OSCE Mission in BiH is not aware of the details of the new measures. The best response to concerns about the spread of "fake news" is for authorities to communicate frequently with their citizens to provide credible information about measures, rights and obligations of natural and legal persons, as well as how to behave in these challenging times. Censorship and restricting freedom of expression are not helpful and can undermine trust in institutions.".

Désir and Kavalec also referred to a joint statement released last week with David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which emphasizes that it is "of paramount importance for governments and internet companies to address disinformation themselves by providing credible information", the OSCE BiH press release states.