State Department on BiH: Widespread corruption in government and lack of judicial independence

(Patria) - Bosnia and Herzegovina is burdened by a lack of judicial independence, restrictions on freedom of expression, media, including violence or threats of violence against journalists, and widespread corruption in government, human trafficking, and criminal offenses or threats of violence against national minorities and the LGBTI population, according to a State Department report.

It further states that authorities in both entities, as well as in Brčko District, investigated allegations of police abuse, imposed administrative penalties, and forwarded some cases to the prosecutor's office. However, observers point to widespread impunity for police, and reports of corruption within security services at both the state and entity levels continue to exist.

Also, the ineffective prosecution of war crimes committed during the period 1992-1995 remains a problem, writes VOA.

The law provides for freedom of expression, including for the media, but respect for this right by the authorities remained weak throughout the year. Intimidation, harassment, and threats, including an increased number of death threats, against journalists and media outlets continued during the year, while nationalist rhetoric and ethnic and political bias dominated most media reports, often inciting intolerance and sometimes hatred. The lack of transparency in media ownership remains a problem.

Data from the Free Media Help Line (FMHL) showed that courts continue to fail to distinguish between different media genres (especially news and commentary), while lengthy court proceedings and legal and financial battles financially exhausted journalists and publishing houses. FMHL concluded that years of misapplication of the law have directly pressured journalists and media, and that such pressure has jeopardized journalists' right to freedom of expression.

Political and financial pressure on the media continued. Some media outlets noted that allegations of tax evasion and detailed financial scrutiny continue to be a powerful tool in attempts to intimidate and control points of sale. The number of physical attacks on journalists increased during the year.

Attacks on the professional integrity of journalists and press freedom continued to grow throughout the year. On several occasions, public officials obstructed the work of journalists.

By August, FMGL recorded 37 cases involving violations of journalists' rights and freedoms, five death threats, and six physical attacks.

Prevention of Public Gatherings in RS

The law provides for freedom of peaceful assembly, and the government generally respected this right. However, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska prohibited a group of citizens from holding peaceful protests as part of the "Justice for David" movement in Banja Luka on at least four occasions. On June 7, Banja Luka police informed citizens that they could no longer gather in front of the Orthodox Church of Christ the Savior in Banja Luka, where they had gathered and lit candles every evening.

They also state that the first Sarajevo Pride, held in September 2019, passed peacefully and without incident.

Migrant Accommodation Problem

In the section discussing migrants, the report states that "providing adequate accommodation has remained one of the biggest challenges since the beginning of 2018 due to increased arrivals of asylum seekers."

According to an AP report on October 24, the International Red Cross issued a statement warning of a possible "humanitarian catastrophe" at a specific location, an overcrowded makeshift migrant camp near the country's border with Croatia. This refers to the Vučjak camp, which was later dismantled.

Municipal elections have not been held in the city of Mostar since 2008 due to the failure of leading Bosniak and Croat politicians to implement the Constitutional Court's 2010 decision requiring reform of the Election Law.

Widespread Corruption

The State Department also emphasizes that authorities have not prioritized public corruption as a serious problem.

"Courts have not prosecuted high-level corruption cases, and in most concluded cases, suspended sentences have been imposed. Officials have often engaged in corruption with impunity, which remains widespread in many political and economic institutions. Corruption is particularly widespread in the health and education sectors, public procurement processes, local government, and public administration employment."

Roma Most Vulnerable

Roma, and especially Roma women, continue to be the most vulnerable and discriminated group in the country. They experience discrimination in housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, with almost 95 percent unemployed.