Reaction to pressures on Spin.Info editor

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina urges all public authorities to maintain professional, transparent and non-discriminatory relations with the media, to guarantee equal access to information and public events, and to refrain from any statements or actions that could be perceived as pressure on journalists or interference with their work.

The treatment of Sanja Vasković, editor-in-chief of Spin.info, including obstacles in accessing information and the manner in which she was addressed during a recent press conference following a session of the City Assembly of Istočno Sarajevo, is inconsistent with OSCE commitments.

Offensive public remarks by political leaders, including allegations that question professional integrity and the use of personal and disparaging language, undermine media freedom and public trust and can discourage critical reporting. Media freedom and freedom of access to information must be guaranteed to all journalists without discrimination, regardless of the positions they scrutinize.