The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, and the PIC Steering Board Ambassadors strongly condemn what appears to be an attempt by Federation Government authorities to use state instruments to intimidate a free press.
They worry that a current Government tax inspection of the Dnevni Avaz newspaper — now critical of the Government and which has uncovered a series of corruption scandals — could be aimed at intimidating the daily which has a wide circulation among Bosniaks.
Fundamental features of any free and open society include: (1) freedom of the press, (2) respect for the rule of law, and (3) full due process under that law.
We call on those authorities to take the following steps:
- Immediately unblock all bank accounts of those organizations being targeted;
- Immediately institute procedures that are transparent and equitable toward those being investigated;
- If the authorities have abused their positions to pursue blatantly political ends, strong action should be taken, including possible criminal prosecution and removal;
- Pledge to conduct such actions in a way which does not harm media freedom.
The International Community will continue to monitor the situation closely and will take appropriate action if necessary.