Coalition for combat against hate speech and hate crime appeals to media and public officials

Coalition for combat against hate speech and hate crime condemns further creation of climate of fear, through reckless and inappropriate statements and speculations of public officials of BiH and the region regarding the attack on the police precinct in Zvornik which was characterized as a terrorist act by the BH State Prosecution.

The Coalition appeals to all the media to report responsibly about this event and to avoid sensationalism. We appeal especially to online media to remove comments which contain hate speech and incitement to hatred and violence. Political officials and analysts present in media and public space should not engage in spreading panic and fear in order to avoid manipulating the citizens

Police and the BH State Prosecution are best to talk to about this case. Prejudicing the event can only be harmful to the security situation in BiH and police investigation. Coalition welcomes the statements of Zoran Stevanovic, Mayor of Zvornik, and Mustafa ef. Muharemović, the Chief Imam of Zvornik, in which they condemned the attack and appealed to the citizens to refrain from hate speech and behave in a tolerant manner.

Respectfully,

Members of the Coalition for combat against hate speech and hate crime

Association for Democratic Initiatives
Centre for youth KVART
Civil Rights Defenders
Foundation CURE
Foundation Mediacentre Sarajevo
Foundation Truth, Justice, Reconciliation
Youth Initiative for Human Rights BiH
Otaharin
Youth News Association in BiH (ONA)
Sarajevo Open Centre
Association BH journalists
Press Council in BiH