Bosnia and Herzegovina: President Milorad Dodik Verbally Attacks Journalist Snezana Mitrovic

The incident is not only deeply concerning but also indicative of the broader threats faced by media professionals, particularly women, in the region

Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo
Date: November 16, 2023

During a press conference in Sarajevo on November 16, 2023, President Milorad Dodik unleashed a verbal tirade against N1 television journalist Snezana Mitrovic, further intensifying his attack through a subsequent phone call laced with insults and profanity. The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands firmly united with Snezana Mitrovic. This behavior is not only unbecoming of a public official but is also a blatant violation of the principles of freedom of speech and press freedom. Such actions serve to intimidate and silence journalists, undermining the very foundations of a free and democratic society. 

President Milorad Dodik of Republika Srpska, a Bosnian Serb nationalist and pro-Russian leader, accused N1 television journalist Snezana Mitrovic of pushing an "anti-Serbian narrative," — marking a disturbing escalation in his long-standing antagonism towards the media — during a press conference. The president further accused the journalist of promoting a harmful agenda against Republika Srpska, presenting unfounded allegations. In an inappropriate gesture, Dodik took the microphone from Mitrovic, asserting that it was done to spare her feelings.

The tirade followed Mitrovic's question about Dodik's alleged connections with drug trafficking figures.

After the press conference, Dodik's verbal attack persisted as he contacted Mitrovic via phone, where he proceeded to hurl additional insults and profanity. Mitrovic had initially anticipated an apology but instead endured a relentless onslaught of verbal abuse.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina Journalists' Association has vowed to take legal and institutional measures to protect Mitrovic, including the possibility of filing a criminal report for workplace harassment and seeking an investigation by the police and state security agencies. They argue that Dodik's statement about monitoring N1 journalists is a dangerous claim that warrants a thorough investigation into potential illegal interference.

This incident is not an isolated occurrence.  Dodik has a track record of engaging in verbal and political violence against the media and journalists, specifically targeting women journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Shockingly, no investigations or prosecutions have been pursued in response to these actions. In response, Bosnia and Herzegovina journalists, in collaboration with Mitrovic, are diligently exploring all available legal options to safeguard her well-being and to hold President Dodik accountable for his violent behavior.

The European Union delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the US Embassy have both condemned Dodik's behavior, highlighting his ongoing campaign to silence and intimidate the media in the country. The SafeJournalists network, representing over 8,200 media professionals in the Western Balkans, has also expressed its condemnation and support for BH journalists in addressing the institutions regarding Dodik's claims of monitoring N1 and its journalists.

According to a statement from the U.S. Treasury Department, the United States has recently imposed sanctions on the family members and broader business network of Dodik. The President was already subject to sanctions from the U.S. and UK. The U.S. Treasury Department's sanctions now extend to Dodik's two adult children, Igor Dodik and Gorica Dodik, as well as their associated business entities. The U.S. government alleges that these companies have facilitated problematic and fraudulent activities.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in unwavering solidarity with Snezana Mitrovic. We strongly condemn the verbal abuse she endured. The incident serves as a stark reminder that attacks on journalists are not just attacks on the media but on public interest, democracy, and the rights of all citizens. It is imperative that public officials refrain from targeting journalists and the media and that steps are taken to safeguard press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We echo the concerns raised by the international community, including the European Union delegation and the US Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, about the ongoing campaign to silence and intimidate the media in the country. President Dodik's actions are part of a disturbing trend of hostility towards the press, and it is imperative that these actions are met with strong and decisive responses. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.