Judges and prosecutors from Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBIH), participated in a training of trainers on the right to freedom of expression and the application of the Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in the judiciary system.

The participants were trained on the adult education methodology based on the Handbook for educators on freedom of expression developed under earlier stage of JUFREX, through the discussion on the key principles of freedom of expression, its limitations, balancing of the right to private life and the right to freedom of expression, positive obligations of the state and several case studies and practical exercises. The participants and local experts Svjetlana Milišić Veličkovski, judge of the Supreme Court of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Irena Puzić Obradović, lawyer from Doboj gathered in Sarajevo, whereas the international expert, professor of media rights Dirk Voorhoof and representatives of Council of Europe took part online.

The goal of the seminar was to expand the network of local experts who are trained to be trainers on freedom of expression related topics, in order to raise the capacities of local judiciary to continue education on the standards set by the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court. The event gathered 11 judges and prosecutors. The presentations, discussion and exercises took place while respecting the recommended safety measures – including masks, distancing and disinfection.

This training was organised within the joint European Union/Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022”, and its action on “Freedom of expression and freedom of the media in Bosnia and Herzegovina (JUFREX)”.