A Free Press Must Be Free from Persecution
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On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina emphasized the importance of the protection of freedom of expression in a democratic society and reiterated its concerns over moves to limit this freedom, particularly in the public broadcasting services of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Freedom of the press is an essential element of any true democracy. Without it, citizens cannot make informed judgments. With it, citizens can feel greater confidence that they have access to the necessary facts and opinions about the topics of the day”, said OSCE in a public statement. “When governments control the means of informing and shaping public opinion, they have a powerful tool in their hands. When they use this tool for the wrong ends, as certain political leaders did in this part of the world in the early 1990s, the results can be catastrophic”, added the statement. The OSCE Mission also emphasized that it is essential for the future of this country that the governments of this country not attempt to dictate the editorial policy of the broadcasters, the newspapers, and the press agencies they control. “Instead, they should strive to permit a diversity of opinion and a lively public debate about issues of importance to flourish. It is only from this debate and diversity that the truth can emerge. World Press Freedom Day should therefore serve as a reminder of the need and importance for everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina to uphold the freedom of the press”, concludes the statement. |
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