BH Journalists Condemn Threats Against Media that Reported on QSF Impartially

24 September 2008

The BH Journalists association expressed concerns over the threat issued against Sarajevo-based media that reported impartially and with full observance of professional and ethical standards on the events and developments surrounding the coming Queer Sarajevo Festival.

The threats against EFM Student Radio, Radio Sarajevo, BH Radio 1 and Dani newsmagazine are a dangerous and despicable attack on the freedom of speech and the right of the media to inform the citizens about the current events and affairs of interest to the public, says Borka Rudić, the General Secretary of the Association.

According to BH Jounalists, the threats are an attack on the personal security of employees of the said media, their families and property.

The association concludes that the threatening letters and the manipulation with the war past (the threats were signed by `Sarajevo War Veterans`) is a direct consequence of the homophobic excesses in BiH public regarding the coming Queer Festival, listing as most serious the medical practitioner who told the media that `homosexuality is a disease that needs treatment` and the fascist views presented by a secretary general of a political party.

BH Journalists demand from the competent authorities to conduct urgent investigation into the matter and to inform the public about the results, including the names of the culprits, as soon as possible. At the same time, the association demands from the official and registered veteran association to condemn the threatening letters.

The association expressed its human support and professional solidarity with the colleagues in the media that received threats, with the hope they will be allowed to continue with their professional and objective reporting on the Queer Sarajevo festival.