Bosnia and Herzegovina: Call to Protect Journalist Nataša Miljanović-Zubac as Threats Trigger Concerns for Safety
November 7, 2024 - Bosnia and Herzegovina
Women Press Freedom is deeply concerned about the safety of Radio Television of Republika Srpska journalist Nataša Miljanović-Zubac, as she faces constant threats to her life due to her reporting on organized crime.
We demand Republika Srpska Ministry of Interior and the Trebinje District Prosecutor’s Office to ensure her protection as well as conduct a thorough and swift probe into the multiple instances of violence and attacks she has endured over the years, particularly the horrific arson attack on her car in 2022, the perpetrators of which have remained unpunished till date.
Around 22 months after the attack, the journalist finally returned to the newsroom, but to once again work under the fear of being targeted, as none of the culprits involved in threatening and attacking her were indicted. On September 19 this year, the journalist found the message “Die NMZ”—her initials—at her son’s village home in Ljubomir.
This is an alarming threat with the potential to endanger Zubac’s life. No journalist should have to endure what the journalist is being subjected to for merely doing her job. Bosnian authorities must act swiftly to bring her attackers and intimidators to justice. The existing safety measures for Zubac are insufficient, as she remains vulnerable to relentless death threats and other intimidation tactics with her most recent report regarding a physical attack registered on October 28.
We call for transparent investigations into the journalist’s cases and ask for her safety to be ensured, so she can continue to report the truth without any fear of retribution..
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