Prosecutors and police officers serving as contact points for the safety of journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthened their co-operation and exchanged practical experiences in Banja Luka on 17 and 18 June, as part of ongoing efforts for a more effective response to threats and attacks against journalists.

During the training, participants expanded their knowledge of Council of Europe standards and recommendations related to freedom of expression and the safety of journalists, while also exchanging experiences from their professional practice. Particular attention was given to practical challenges faced by police and judicial institutions, different approaches across Bosnia and Herzegovina, and opportunities to improve co-ordination and inter-institutional co-operation.

An important contribution to the session was provided by lawyers with experience in representing journalists before courts in cases related to journalists’ safety. Through concrete examples from their own practice, they analysed with participants the application of Council of Europe standards in judicial proceedings in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including issues related to the effective protection of journalists’ rights and the role of institutions in creating a safer environment for media work.

By bringing together representatives of prosecutor’s offices, law enforcement agencies and legal practitioners, theactivity further strengthened professional networks and facilitated the exchange of experiences and good practice. It also contributed to a better understanding of international standards and practical measures that can help create a safer environment for journalists and support media freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The event was organised as part of the action “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PRO-FREX)”, implemented by the Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression under the European Union and Council of Europe’s joint programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye,”.