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Sessions of the Complaints Commission 2013

Thursday, 01 January 2015 00:00 Last Updated on Monday, 20 April 2015 10:46

THE PRESS COUNCIL IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Chronology

SESSIONS OF THE COMPLAINTS COMMISSION

2013

 

218 Complaints in total

5 regular and 1 emergency session of the Complaints Commission were held

 

52nd Session: The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina held its fifty second session on 18.01.2013 during which it considered complaints on the writing of print and online media received in the period December 2012 - January 2013. The Press Council received a total of 28 complaints, out of which 9 were considered at the session.

The Complaints Commission upheld 3 complaints, where a breach of the Press Code of BiH was found.1 complaint was denied because no breach of the Press Code of BiH was found, 2 complaints were denied because they were not submitted in accordance with the complaints procedure, while 2 complaints were determined to be out of the Complaint Commission’s jurisdiction because they regarded contents from social networks. The Press Council also received a complaint which regarded a previous decision of the Complaints Commission. This complaint was forwarded for adjudication to the Board of the Press Council in BiH which is responsible for complaints on adjudications of the Complaints Commission.

14 complaints were resolved by self-regulation; in 3 instances the complainants withdrew their complaints, while 2 complaints were sent after the expiration of the complaint period.

 

Complaints Upheld:

 

1.   MR. REDZO KAHRIC - portalJAVNO.BA: The Press Council in BiH received a complaint regarding the article "SDP Takes Over Prisons" published on October 19th, 2012 on the portal Javno.ba.The Complaints Commissionof the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 10 -Persons Charged With Criminal Offenses, of the Press Code of BiH.

2.   MR. REDZO KAHRIC - portalOTVORENO.BA: Complaint regarding the article "SDP Takes Over Prisons" published on October 19th, 2012 on the portal Otvoreno.ba.The Complaints Commissionof The Press Council in BiH found a breach of Article 10 -Persons Charged With Criminal Offenses, of the Press Code of BiH.

3.   MR. EMIL KARAMATIC - portalPOSKOK.INFO: Complaint regarding the article "My Criticism on Emil Karamatic's Article Has Logical Nature" published on January 13th, 2013 on the portal Poskok.info.The Complaints Commissionof the Press Council in BiH found a breach ofGeneral Provisionsand the Article 2 -Editorial Responsibilityof the Press Code of BiH.

 

Complaint not upheld because breach of the Press Code of BiH was not found:

 

1.   ASSOCIATION BOSNIAN - CUBAN FRIENDSHIP - daily “GLAS SRPSKE”: Complaint regarding the article "Three Generations in a Two-Room Apartment" published in the December 22nd and 23rd, 2012 weekend edition of "Glas Srpske".The Complaints Commission of the Press Council didn't find a breach of the Press Code of BiH.

 

Complaints dismissed due to failure to comply with the complaints procedure:

 

1.   CITIZEN’S COMPLAINT - magazine SAFF: The Press Council in BiH received a complaint regarding the article "People Who Run From Their Own Shadow", published on December 7th, 2012.The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH concluded that the complaint was not complete, since the complainant's full name was unknown and the complainant did not allow the use of statements from his complaint.

2.   CITIZEN’S COMPLAINT - magazine SAFF: Complaint regarding the article "No Bosnianism Without Bosniaks", published as part of the article “We are Bosniaks” on December 7th, 2012.The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH concluded that the complaint was not complete, since the complainant's full name was unknown and the complainant did not allow the use of statements from his complaint.

 

Complaints resolved by self-regulation - by publishing denials, reactions, corrections or apologies:

 

1.   MS DANA SKRBA - daily “DNEVNI AVAZ”: Denial regarding the article "Dana Skrba Harasses Guards and Doctors because of her Baby", published on January 05th, 2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH the denial was published on January 14th, 2013 under the headline "The Baby and I are in the Cell where the Convict Suffering from Tuberculosis was Kept".

2.   THE BH MINE ACTION CENTER- magazine "SLOBODNA BOSNA": Denial to the article "The BH MAC's Director, Dusan Gavran Donated Official Cars to Politicians and Policemen", published on December 27th, 2012. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH the denial was published on January 11th, 2013 under the headline "BH MAC Conducted all Alleged Vehicle Sales According to the Law, as there is Adequate Documentation".

3.   MANAGEMENT OF THE SPA CENTER “TERME ILIDZA” - daily “DNEVNI AVAZ”: Denial to the article "How Did Budnjo Disappoint the Wounded", published on December 22nd, 2012. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH the denial was published on December 26th, 2012, under the headline "Libyans Too Satisfied With the Treatment".

4.   THE BH MINE ACTION CENTER - daily "PRESS RS": Denial to the article "Gavran Damaged BHMAC For 100.000 KM", published on December 25th, 2012. Upon mediation of The Press Council, complainant's denial published on December 26th, 2012, under the headline "All Vehicles Sold on Tenders Submitted by Law!”

5.   THE BH MINE ACTION CENTER - portalPRESSRS.BA: Denial to the article "Gavran Damaged BHMAC For 100.000 KM", published on December 25th, 2012. Upon mediation of The Press Council, complainant's denial published on December 26th, 2012, under the headline "All Vehicles Sold on Tenders Submitted by Law!”

6.   MR. SABAHUDIN MUJKIC - portalKLIX.BA: Request for correction in the article "Edin Dzeko Entered the Second Round, Voting Continues", from December 16th, 2012. In accordance to the principles of self-regulation, the correction within the article has been made.

7.   THE BH MINE ACTION CENTER - portalPRESSRS.BA: Denial to the article "Dusan Gavran Targeted by SIPA", published on December 10th, 2012. Upon mediation of the Press Council, the complainant's denial was published on December 18th, 2012, under the headline "Gavran: There is no Evidence About Criminal Acts".

8.   THE BH MINE ACTION CENTER - daily "PRESS RS": Denial to the article "Dusan Gavran Targeted by SIPA", published on December 10th, 2012. Upon mediation of the Press Council, the complainant's denial was published on December 18th, 2012, under the headline "Gavran: There is no Evidence About Criminal Acts".

9.   HAJJI SEID EFFENDI SMAJKIC, MUFTY OF MOSTAR - daily "OSLOBODJENJE": Reaction regarding the article "Mufti Smajkic Manipulates Bosniaks", published on November 28th, 2012. Upon mediation of The Press Council, the complainant's reaction was published on December 14th, 2012, under the headline "Mostar Will Not Be the Capital Croat City”.

10.    MR. EMIR AVDIC - portalTUZLARIJE.NET: Denial to the article "University in Tuzla - Private Company", published on December 3rd, 2012. Upon mediation of The Press Council, the complainant's denial was published on December 5th, 2012, under the headline "Denial Regarding Mr. Mahir Masic's Letter".

11.    VIRTUAL CHANNEL LTD. - portalSTUDIO88.BA: Denial to the article "Negotiations on the Sale of Mostar Tobacco Factory Failed", published on November 5th, 2012.  Upon mediation of The Press Council, the complainant's denial was published on December 3rd, 2012 under the headline "Virtual Channel LTD: Corrupt Government Deliberately Killing FDM".

12.    VIRTUAL CHANNEL LTD. - portalMOSTARLIFE.COM: Denial to the article "A Shot in the Dark: Privatization of the Mostar Tobacco Factory Failed", published on November 5th, 2012. Upon mediation of The Press Council, the complainant's denial was published as subheading of the article "A Shot in the Dark: Privatization of the Mostar Tobacco Factory Failed" under the title “Virtual Channel Denied the Allegations”.

13.    CAMBRIDGE CENTER - daily "PRESS RS": Denial to the article "Mira Grbic: Books Are Being Chosen by a Team of Teachers". Upon mediation of The Press Council, the complainant's denial was published on November 30th, 2012, under the headline "We Are Not Publishing, Only Distributing the Books".

14.    MS MIRA GRBIC, ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE REPUBLICAN PEDAGOGICAL INSTITUTE - daily "PRESS RS": Denial to the article "Grbic's English Costs Double For the Students", published on November 27th, 2012 Upon mediation of The Press Council, the complainant's denial was published on November 28th, 2012, under the headline "Mira Grbic: Books Are Being Chosen by the Teachers Team".

 

Complaints out of theComplaints Commission's jurisdiction:

 

1.   MR. ROMAN JURISIC -FACEBOOK PAGE OF THE MAGAZINE "E-AUTOMAGAZIN": Complaint regarding the comments under the print screen of the article "The Fastest Car in BiH", published on the Facebook Page of the "E-Automagazin" on November 22nd, 2012.The Complaints Commissionof the Press Council in BiH has no jurisdiction over content published on social networks.

2.   MR. ADI SMAJIC -FACEBOOK GROUP "HOW TO BREAK BOSNIA EVEN MORE": Complaint regarding the content of the Facebook group "How to Break Bosnia Even More". The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH has no jurisdiction over content published on the social networks.

 

Complaint sent to be adjudicated by the Board of Directors of the Press Council in BiH:

 

1.   MR. BOGDAN KOLAR -ADJUDICATION OF THE COMPLAINTS COMMISSION OF THE PRESS COUNCIL IN BIH: Complaint regarding the Adjudication of theComplaints Commissionof the Press Council in BiH regarding his earlier complaint to the article "Not Every Gold Shines" published in daily "Dnevni avaz" on August 04th 2012. The complaint was forwarded to the Board of the Press Council in BiH, which has jurisdiction to consider complaints on Adjudications of theComplaints Commissionof the Press Council in BiH.

 

In three cases the complainants have withdrawn their complaints:

 

1.   MS INDIRA HAJDAREVIC - portalCAZIN.NET: Complaint regarding the article "Buzim: For Five Years Her Brother and Sister-in-Law Beat Her", published on November, 30th 2012. After acquainting the complainant with the complaints procedure she stated that she would not turn to the portal to publish her denial.

2.   MS INDIRA HAJDAREVIC - portalCAZIN.NET: Complaint regarding the article "Bos. Krupa: Robbery in Krivodol" published on December, 2nd 2012. After acquainting the complainant with the complaints procedure she stated that she would not turn to the portal to publish her denial.

3.   MS BOZANA SAVIC - daily "PRESS RS": Complaint regarding the article “The School Director Arranged the Job for a Close Cousin?” published on December 3rd, 2012. The complainant did not reply to the enquiries of the Press Council in BiH.


Complaints sent after expiration of the period to submit complaints:

 

1.   VIRTUAL CHANNEL LTD. - portalKUPUJMODOMACE.BA: Complaint regarding the article "Tobacco Production in Bosnia and Herzegovina Endangered", published on July 14th, 2011. The Complaints Commissionof the Press Council in BiH rejected the complaint because it does not fall within the timeframe in which the Press Council in BiH can consider complaints.

2.   MR. ISMET MUSELJIC - portalDNEVNIAVAZ.BA: Complaint regarding the article "Ismet Museljic Was Married More Than 80 Times" published on March 25th, 2012. TheComplaints Commissionof the Press Council in BiH rejected the complaint because it does not fall within the timeframe in which the Press Council in BiH can consider complaints.

 


53rd Session: The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina held its fifty third session on 07.04.2013 during which it considered complaints on the writing of print and online media received in the period January - April 2013. The Press Council received a total of 55 complaints, out of which 24 were considered at the session.

The Complaints Commission upheld 12 complaints, where a breach of the Press Code of BiH was found.11 complaints were not upheldbecause no breach of the Press Code of BiH was found. 1 Complaint was returned into procedure due to the need for additional verification, while 1 complaint was out of the jurisdiction of the Complaints Commission because it regards content published on a website.

25 complaints were resolved through self-regulation, in 2 cases the complainants were instructed to turn to the editorial staff with a specific denial or reaction, in 1 case the complainant was instructed to turn to the editorial staff in order to resolve a contract, while 1 case was upheld by the Complaints Commission prior to the session being held.

 

Complaints upheld:

 

1. BIH PROSECUTION - daily "NEZAVISNE NOVINE": Complaint regarding the article "Prosecutors Ignore the Complaint for 72 million KM" published in daily "Nezavisne novine" on January 25th, 2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 2 - Editorial Responsibility, and Article 7 - Opportunity to Reply, of the Press Code of BiH.

2. BIH PROSECUTION - daily "NEZAVISNE NOVINE": Complaint regarding the article "Economic Crime a Priority" published in daily "Nezavisne Novine" on January 26thand 27th, 2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, and Article 7 - Opportunity to Reply, of the Press Code of BiH.

3. PORTAL FRONTAL.RS - portal 24SATA.INFO:  Complaint from portal Frontal.rs, regarding the photo with article „Alarming, published on 09th February, 2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council of BiH found breach of Paragraph 1 of The General Provisions, Paragraph 3 of Article 2 - Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 - Incitement, Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2 of Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, and Paragraph 1 of Article 11 - Protection of Children and Minors, of the Press Code of BiH.

4. MR. GORAN MIHIC - portal 24SATA.INFO: Complaint from Mr. Goran Mihic, regarding the photo with article „Alarming Fact: Less Students in Primary Schools in Republic of Srpska", published on 09thFebruary, 2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council of BiH found breach of Paragraph 1 of The General Provisions, Paragraph 3 of Article 2 - Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 - Incitement, Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2 of Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, and Paragraph 1 of Article 11 - Protection of Children and Minors, of the Press Code of BiH.

5. ASSOCIATION "HI NEIGHBOR" - portal 24SATA.INFO: Complaint from Association "Hi Neighbor", regarding the photo with article "Alarming Fact: Less Students in Primary Schools in Republic of Srpska", published on February 09th, 2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Paragraph 1 of the General Provisions, Paragraph 3 of Article 2 - Editorial Responsibility, Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2 of Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, and Paragraph 1 of Article 11 - Protection of Children and Minors, of the Press Code of BiH.

6. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE OF REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA - portal 24SATA.INFO:

Complaint from Ministry of Education and Culture of Republic of Srpska, regarding the photo with article "Alarming Fact: Less Students in Primary Schools in Republic of Srpska", published on 09th February, 2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council of BiH found breach of Paragraph 1 of The General Provisions, Paragraph 3 of Article 2 - Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 - Incitement, Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2 of Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, and Paragraph 1 of Article 11 - Protection of Children and Minors, of the Press Code of BiH. 

7. OMBUDSMAN FOR CHILDREN OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA - portal 24SATA.INFO: Complaint from Ombudsman for Children of Republic of Srpska, regarding the photo with article "Alarming Fact: Less Students in Primary Schools in Republic of Srpska", published on 09th February 2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Paragraph 1 of the General Provisions, Paragraph 3 of Article 2 - Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 -Incitement, Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2 of Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, and Paragraph 1 of Article 11 -Protection of Children and Minors, of the Press Code of BiH.

8. ASSOCIATION "CHILDREN’S LAND” TUZLA - magazine “EXPRESS”: Complaint regarding the photo published within the article “Nazif Mujic Refused to Act in a Porno Movie”, in the magazine “Express” on 28.02.2013. The complainants claim that the “published article clearly implicates that Nazif Mujic, winner of the Golden Bear at the last Berlin Festival, was offered to participate in a pornographic project, and under it the pictures of his minor daughter was published whose identity was not protected.” The Complaints Commission of the Press Code in BiH found breach of Paragraph 1 of Article 11 - Protection of Children and Minors, of the Press Code of BiH. 

9. MS. MARIJANA KUSMUK - weekly newspaper “RESPECT!”: Complaint from Ms. Marijana Kusmuk regarding the photograph published within the article “Dodik’s Silent Escort” which depicts her minor daughter. The article and the photo were published on 12.03.2013 in the weekly newspaper “Respekt!”. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Paragraph 1 and 3 of Article 11 - Protection of Children and Minors, of the Press Code of BiH. 

10. MR. IGOR BURIC - portal DNEVNIAVAZ.BA: Denial from Mr. Igor Buric, former employee of McDonald’s in Mostar, regarding the article “Mostarian Igor Buric is trying to Racketeer McDonald’s” published on the portal Dnevniavaz.ba on 25.02.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 7 -Opportunity to Reply, and Article 15 -Complaints, of the Press Code of BiH.

11. MR. JOSIP VAJDNER - portal DOSIJE.BA: Complaint from Mr. Josip Vajdner regarding hate speech in the article “The New Pope is Being Chosen … Catholic Again?!” published on 12.03.2013 on the portal Dosije.ba.The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of General Provisions, Paragraph 1; Article 3 - Incitement, and Article 4 - Discrimination, of the Press Code of BiH.

12. FEDERAL CIVIL DEFENSE AUTHORITY - daily "DNEVNI AVAZ"

The Press Council in BiH received a denial from the Federal Civil Defense Authority regarding the article “How ‘Seve’ and the Civil Defense Control a Ton of Explosives” published on March 8th, 2013 in the daily “Dnevni Avaz”. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 7 - Opportunity to Reply, of the Press Code of BiH. 

 

Complaints not upheld because no breach of the Press Code of BiH was found:

 

1. DR.SC. HAMDIJA LIPOVACA - portal INMEDIA.BA: Complaint regarding the article “Sanader’s Thief Lipovaca (I)”, published on the portal Inmedia.ba on 13.02.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

2. DR.SC. HAMDIJA LIPOVACA - portal INMEDIA.BA: Complaint regarding the article “Sanader’s Thief Lipovaca (II)”, published on the portal Inmedia.ba on 20.02.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

3. DR.SC. HAMDIJA LIPOVACA - portal INMEDIA.BA: Complaint regarding the article“Sanader’s Thief Lipovaca (III)”, published on the portal Inmedia.ba on 27.02.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

4. DR.SC. HAMDIJA LIPOVACA - portal INMEDIA.BA: Complaint regarding the article“Sanader’s Thief Lipovaca (IV)”, published on the portal Inmedia.ba on 06.03.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

5. DR.SC. HAMDIJA LIPOVACA - portal INMEDIA.BA: Complaint regarding the article“Sanader’s Thief Lipovaca (V)”, published on the portal Inmedia.ba on 13.03.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

6. DR.SC. HAMDIJA LIPOVACA - portal INMEDIA.BA: Complaint regarding article “After Radoncic it is Lipovaca’s Turn”, published on the portal Inmedia.ba on 05.03.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

7. DR.SC. HAMDIJA LIPOVACA - portal CAZINDANAS.COM: Complaint regarding article “Asim Kamber: Sanader’s Thief Lipovaca”, published on the portal Cazin-danas.com on 14.02.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

8. DR.SC. HAMDIJA LIPOVACA - portal KRAJINA.BA: Complaint regarding article “Sanader’s Thief Lipovaca (I)”, published on the portal Krajina.ba on 14.02.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

9. DR.SC. HAMDIJA LIPOVACA - portal LJUTAKRAJINA.BA: Complaint regarding article  “Sanader’s Thief Lipovaca (III)”, published on the portal Ljutakrajina.net on 27.02.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

10. MS HASIBA SABIC - portal OSLOBODJENJE.BA: Complaint regarding article Husband“ on the portal Oslobodjenje.ba on 10.03.2013. . The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 


Complaints rejected due to non-abidance with the complaints procedure:

 

1. CITIZEN’S COMPLAINT - magazine SAFF: Reaction to the article “People who run from their shadow” published on 07.12.2012. The Complaints Commission finds that the complaint is incomplete, being that the full name of the complainant is not known and that the complainant did not allow for the use of statements from his or her complaint.

2. CITIZEN’S COMPLAINT - magazine SAFF:  Reaction to the statement of Mr. Fatmir Alispahic “There is no Bosnianness without Bosniaks” published within the article “We are Bosniaks” from 07.12.2012. The Complaints Commission finds that the complaint is incomplete, being that the  full name of the complainant is not known and that the complainant did not allow for the use of statements from his or her complaint.


Complaints resolved through self-regulation - by publishing denials, reactions, corrections or apologies:

 

1. MS IVA POGARCIC - daily "DNEVNI AVAZ": Denial from Ms. Iva Pogarcic, regarding the article "The Patient Underwent Surgery Without Sedation", published in the daily "Dnevni Avaz" on January 14th, 2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, reaction of Ms. Iva Pogarcic was published in daily "Dnevni Avaz" on March 9th, 2013 under the headline "Surgery Without Sedation Also on the Vascular Surgery".

2. ASSOCIATION OF COMPUTER SCIENTISTS IN BIH - portal DNEVNIAVAZ.BA: Denial the Association of Computer Scientists in BiH, regarding the article "How the Association ECDL Cheats Civil Servants", published in the portal dnevniavaz.ba on December 30th, 2012. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, complainant's denial was published on January 22nd, 2013 under the headline "We didn't Cheat Civil Servants".

3. ASSOCIATION OF COMPUTER SCIENTISTS IN BIH - daily "DNEVNI AVAZ": Denial from the Association of Computer Scientists in BiH, regarding the article "How the Association ECDL Cheats Civil Servants", published in the daily "Dnevni Avaz" on December 30th, 2012. Complainant's denial was published on January 21st , 2013 under the headline "We didn't Cheat Civil Servants".

4. CITIZEN'S COMPLAINT - portal DEPO.BA: Complaint regarding the comments which contain hate speech below the article "Because of the Suspicion of Having Committed War Crimes in Gorazde: Former Members of the 31stDrina Impact Brigade of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Arrested", published on portal Depo.ba on January 17th, 2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH and professional collaboration with the Editor-in-Chief of portal Depo.ba, the comments below the article were removed.

5. MR. AMIR PILAV - daily „DNEVNI AVAZ": Complaint from Mr. Amir Pilav regarding the article "Who beat who in The Complaints Office" published in the daily "Dnevni Avaz" on January 19th, 2013. Complainant's denial was published in the daily "Dnevni Avaz" on January 26th, 2013the headline "Petricevic kicked Pilav".

6. MR. GORAN PUDAR - portal KLIX.BA: Complaint regarding the comments which contain hate speech below the article "13 Dogs Killed From a Hunting Rifle at a Landfill in Bosanska Krupa", published on portal Klix.ba on January 22nd, 2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH and professional collaboration with the Editor-in-Chief of portal Klix.ba, the comments below the article were removed and the opportunity to comment the article was disabled.

7. THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF BIH - daily "GLAS SRPSKE": Complaint regarding the article „Rifles published in daily "Glas Srpske" on January 26th and 27th, 2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, denial of the Ministry of Defense of BiH was published on February 2nd and 3rd, 2013, under the headline "Denial".

8. MR. SAMIR RIZVO - portal SLOBODNA-BOSNA.BA: Denial regarding the article "Samir Rizvo Wasn't Fired for Control Sarajevo Brewery but For Passports Issued to Arab Brothers", published on January 24th, 2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the complainant's denial was published on the portal Slobodna-bosna.ba on March 12th, 2013, under the title “Samir Rizvo: I Did Not Give Out Passports; SB: He Has, Several Tens.”

9. MR. SAMIR RIZVO - magazine "SLOBODNA BOSNA": Denial regarding the article "Samir Rizvo Wasn't Fired for Control Sarajevo Brewery but For Passports Issued to Arab Brothers", published on January 24th, 2013. The complainant’s denial was published in the magazine “Slobodna Bosna” on February28th, 2013 under the title “The Claims of Slobodna Bosna that Samir Rizvo was Not Fired because of the Sarajevo Brewery’s Inspection but because of Passports Issued to the ‘Arab Brothers’ are False.”

10. MR. PAVLE BUNIJEVAC - portal PRESSRS.BA: Complaint regarding the comments under the article "Lakic: Municipal Prefect Todorovic is Preventing Me from Working". Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the comments that the complaint regarded were removed from the portal Pressrs.ba, while the opportunity to comment the article was removed.

11. BH MINE ACTION CENTER - daily "PRESS RS":  Denial to the article "They Receive 800 BAM Allowances", published on February 23rd, 2013 in daily "Press RS". Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the complainant's denial was published on February 26th, 2013 under the headline "Gavran Doesn't Receive Allowance".

12. BH MINE ACTION CENTER - portal PRESSRS.BA: Denial to the article "They Receive 800 BAM Allowances", published on February 23rd, 2013 on portal Pressrs.ba. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the complainant's denial was published on March 5th, 2013 under the headline "Gavran Doesn't Receive Allowance".

13. MR. AHMED BURIC - daily "OSLOBODJENJE": Complaint regarding the article "Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa: I Silenced the Children Listening to the News", published on February 23rd, 2013 in daily "Oslobodjenje". Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the reaction of Mr. Buric was published in daily "Oslobodjenje" on March 9th, 2013 under the headline "Quarter Million for the Quarter of the Man".

14. MR. AHMED BURIC - daily "OSLOBODJENJE": Complaint from Mr. Ahmed Buric, regarding the article "Is It Possible That Even Aliens Are Supporting Sidran?!", published on February 09th, 2013 in daily "Oslobodjenje". Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the reaction of Mr. Buric was published in daily "Oslobodjenje" on March 9th, 2013 under the headline "Quarter Million for the Quarter of the Man".

15. MR. MUAMER BUDNJO - daily "DNEVNI AVAZ": Complaint regarding the article “The Cops Who Arrested Budnjo's Son Are Being Tried” published on February 14th, 2013 in the daily “Dnevni Avaz”. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, Mr. Muamer Budnjo’s denial was published in the daily “Dnevni Avaz” on March 16th, 2013 under the title “Budnjo did not Cause the Accident”

16. MR. MUAMER BUDNJO - daily "DNEVNI AVAZ": Complaint regarding the article “The Policeman is being Tried instead of the Hooligan!” published on February 15th, 2013 in the daily “Dnevni Avaz”. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, Mr. Muamer Budnjo’s denial was published in the daily “Dnevni Avaz” on March 16th, 2013 under the title “Budnjo did not Cause the Accident”

17. ASSOCIATION OF PENSIONERS MILITARY BENEFICIARIES IN FEDERATION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - portal DEPO.BA: Complaint regarding the article "Depo Portal Exclusively Reveals: The Third Part of the List With 4195 Users of Veteran's Pensions in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina" published on March 4th, 2013 on portal Depo.ba. The article "Depo Portal Exclusively Reveals: The Third Part of the List With 4195 Users of Veteran's Pensions in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina" was removed from portal Depo.ba on March 5th, 2013.

18. MS ALMA ALIC - portal DEPO.BA:  Complaint regarding the photo published within the article “Photo report from Grbavica: Do you recognize the beauty who is enjoying another beautiful day in Sarajevo…” from 05.03.2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the photograph in question was removed from the portal depo.ba.

19. MR. DRAGAN DAVIDOVIC - magazine "DANI": Complaint regarding the article "Intelligent Men Can (Not) Be Guilty of Mobbing!?" published on March 1st, 2013 in magazine "Dani". Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the reaction of Mr. Dragan Davidovic, General Director of the Radio Television of the Republic of Srpska, was published in the March 22nd, 2013 edition of the magazine “Dani” under the title “Can the Power of the Beliefs Minister Be Identified with the Alleged Mobbing?”

20. JUDICIAL COMMISSION OF THE BRCKO DISTRICT BIH - portal OTISAK.BA: Complaint from the Judicial Commission of the Brcko District BiH regarding the article “Shocking: The Concentration Camp Survivors Transported the Sick Witness to the Brcko Courthouse on their Bicycle” published on March 8th, 2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the contentious article was removed from the portal Otisak.ba

21. SARAJEVO OPEN CENTER - portal KLIX.BA: Complaint regarding comments containing hate speech under the article “The Equality Coalition Proposes the Elimination of the Presidency and the House of Peoples of BiH” published on March 11th, 2013 on the portal Klix.ba. The complaint regards comments that contain hate speech. Comments that contain hate speech were removed and a statement that the opportunity to post comments was disabled was published under the contentious article.

22. MR. IBRAHIM AVDAGIC - INDEPENDENT PAPER "NASA RIJEC": Denial regarding the article “Miralem Galijasevic is Again in the Assembly’s Leadership” published on March 12th, 2013 in the independent paper “Nasa Rijec” (Our Word). The complainant's denial was published in the paper “Nasa Rijec” on March 26th, 2013 under the title “Denial to the Article Titled ‘Miralem Galijasevic is Again in the Assembly’s Leadership’”.

23. FEDERAL CIVIL DEFENSE AUTHORITY - daily "DNEVNI AVAZ": Denial from the Federal Civil Defense Authority regarding the article “How ‘Seve’ and the Civil Defense Control a Ton of Explosives” published on March 8th, 2013 in the daily “Dnevni Avaz”.  The complainant's denial was published in the daily “Dnevni Avaz” on March 18th, 2013 under the title “The FCDA Claims that Work Regulations Exist”.

24. MS ZELJKA KUJUNDZIJA - portal PRESSRS.BA: Complaint regarding the article “Zeljka Kujundzija was Hooked Up with the Job” published on March 15th, 2013 on the portal Pressrs.ba. The complainant’s reaction was published on the portal Pressrs.ba on March 19th, 2013 under the title “I was Not Hooked Up with a Job!”.

25. MR. AMIR HADZIC - portal NEZAVISNE.COM: Complaint regarding hate speech in the comment of a portal visitor under the article “Batko Convicted: 45 Years in Prison for Tens of Murders and Rapes” published on 29.03.2013 on the portal Nezavisne.com. The content was removed from underneath the article.

In accordance with its mandate, the Complaints Commission has found breach of Article 9 - Privacy of the Press Code of BiH:

1. THE COMPLAINTS COMMISSION OF THE PRESS COUNCIL IN BIH - portal EKSKLUZIVA.BA: Photos published with article "Drama in the Trolleybus on Alipasino Polje" on January 25th,2013.

The Press Council in BiH has received 1 complaint due to content published in the Classified section:

1. MR. SABAN VELJACIC - Krajina's independent weekly newspaper “REPREZENT”: The complainant was instructed to turn to the editorial staff of the paper “Represent”.

 


54th Session: The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina held its fifty fourth session on 15.06.2013 during which it considered complaints on the writing of print and online media received in the period April - June 2013. The Press Council received a total of 24 complaints, out of which 14 were considered at the session.

The Complaints Commission upheld 8 complaints, where a breach of the Press Code of BiH was found.6 complaints were not upheld because no breach of the Press Code of BiH was found. 1 complaint was out of the jurisdiction of the Complaints Commission because it regards content published on a website, in 1 case the complainant withdrew from further pursuing the complaints procedure, while 8 complaints were resolved through self-regulation.

 

 

Complaints upheld:

 

1. HDZ BIH MOSTAR CITY COUNCIL - portal MOINFO.BA: Complaint of the HDZ BiH Mostar City Council regarding the article “The Producer of the Show ‘Alo, Alo’ wants the HDZ Mostar Mayor Sladjan Bevanda to Play the Role of Her Frik: Ceremonial Opening for Civilized European Discrimination” published on 16.04.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 7 - Opportunity to Reply, and Article 15 - Complaints, of the Press Code of BiH. 

2. MS RUZICA JUKIC - daily “DNEVNI AVAZ“: Complaint from, vice president of the High Judicial and Prosecution Council of BiH, regarding the article “Ruzica Jukic Charged a 6,840 KM Per Diem!” published in the daily “Dnevni Avaz” edition from the 30.04 and 01.05.2013.The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 7 - Opportunity to reply, and Article 15 - Complaints, of the Press Code of BiH.

3. HDZ BIH MOSTAR CITY COUNCIL - portal MOINFO.BA: Complaint regarding the article "Quote of the Day: Bevanda Publically Admitted a Huge Scandal: There is no Difference between HDZ' Proposition and that of the FBiH Expert Team for the Mostar Reform", published on the portal moinfo.ba on 20.05.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of General Provisions, Paragraph 1 and 2, Article 2 - Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 - Incitement, Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, Article 7 - Opportunity to Reply, and Article 15 - Complaints, of the Press Code of BiH. 

4. MR. LEO PLOCKINIC - portal DOSIJE.BA: Complaint regarding the article "When Ujo Lies: Leo Plockinic is a Convicted Liar Now", published on the portal dosije.ba 23.05.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 2 - Editorial Responsibility and Article 3 - Incitement, of the Press Code of BiH. 

5. PORTAL ZNAMO.BA: Reaction of the Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH to the photograph published with the article “Suicide near Kakanj: An Unknown Man Threw himself under a Train?” published on 19.05.2013.The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 2 - Editorial Responsibility and Article 9 - Privacy of the Press Code of BiH. 

6. MR. SALKO OPACIN - daily "DNEVNI AVAZ": Denial regarding the article “SDA Claimed that Alija Sirotanovic was a Made-up Character”, published on 14.05.2013 in the daily “Dnevni Avaz”. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 7 - Opportunity to Reply and Article 15 - Complaints, of the Press Code of BiH. 

7. MR. ADIS SUSNJAR - portal FRONTAL.RS: Complaint regarding hate speech in the article and comments under the article “Because we Are Concerned about the Money!” published on 31.05.2013 on the portal frontal.rs.The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 2 -Editorial Responsibility and Article 3 - Incitement of the Press Code of BiH. 

8. “HOTELI ILIDZA" - daily "DNEVNI AVAZ": Complaint regarding the article “Alija Budnjo is Expanding the Hotel ‘Terme’ Illegally”, published on 02.06.2013 in the daily “Dnevni Avaz”. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, of the Press Code of BiH. 

Complaints not upheld because a breach of the Press Code of BiH was not found:

1. MR. DZEMAL HODZIC - daily "DNEVNI AVAZ":  Complaint regarding the article “Soon, a Criminal Suite against ‘Hypo Bank’”, published on 05.03.2013 in the daily “Dnevni Avaz”. The Complaints Commission found no breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

2. MR. DZEMAL HODZIC - daily "DNEVNI AVAZ": Complaint regarding the article “Hodzic Admitted to Making a Deal with ‘Hypo’”, published on 15.03.2013 in the daily “Dnevni Avaz”. The Complaints Commission found no breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

3. MR. HAMDIJA FEJZIC – daily "DNEVNI AVAZ": Complaint regarding the article “Osmancevic was Summoning SDA ‘Industrialists’ by their Hand and Lobbied for Loans!”, published on 03.04.2013 in the daily “Dnevni Avaz”. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find breach of the Press Code of BiH. 

4. MS ALISA PASIC - magazine "DANI: Complaint regarding the cover of the magazine “Dani” from the 24.05.2013, titled “What is a Woman without breasts”. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH.

5. THE EUROPEAN MOVEMENT IN BIH - daily "EURO BLIC": Complaint regarding the article “Deceptions in the Name of Euro-Integrations” published on 31.05.2013 in the daily “Euro Blic”. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not uphold the complaint being that the reaction was not sent in the form of a denial, but as a polemical text. 

6. "HOTELI ILIDZA" - daily "DNEVNI AVAZ": Complaint from the Hotel and Spa Recreation Association “Hotel Ilidza” regarding the article “Budnjo Cheats Even When Printing Receipts at the Restaurant” published on 03.06.2013 in the daily “Dnevni Avaz”. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

 

Complaints resolved through self-regulation - by publishing denials, reactions, corrections or apologies, or by removing portal visitors’ contents containing hate speech, discrimination and discrimination:

 

1. MR. LEO PLOCKINIC - portal DEPO.BA: Reaction to the article “Croatian Radicals Disgusted by the Hague Verdict: We Seek the Declaration of the Croat Republic Herzeg-Bosnia, Because it is the Only Way to Save the Dignity of Croats in BiH!” published on the portal depo.ba on 29.05.2013.Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the complainant’s denial was published on the portal depo.ba on 30.05.2013, under the title “Leo Plockinic Reacts to the writings of the Depo portal: Only the BiH Croats do not have any Radicals, while your Topalovics, Causevics and Jasarevics are Killing Civilians for what No one is Accountable!”

2. PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF BIH - daily "PRESS RS": Reaction regarding the article “Three New Audis for the Good of the People”, published in the daily “Press RS” on 21.05.2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the complainant's reaction was published on 27.05.2013 in the daily “Press RS” under the title “Management did Not Seek New Vehicles”.

3. MR. FEDA STUKAN - portal KLIX.BA: Complaint regarding the topic “Actor Feda Stukan Beat his Three-year old Daughter!?” posted on the portal Klix.ba 05.05.2013.Through professional cooperation with the editor in chief of the portal Klix.ba, the topic was removed from the forum, while criminal charges have been filed against the creators of the forum.

4. CITIZEN’S COMPLAINT - portal DNEVNIAVAZ.BA: Request for the removal of the article “The Police took a Student from the Faculty of Economics to the Psychiatric Ward” published on 21.02.2012. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the article was removed from the portal dnevniavaz.ba.  

5. MR. LEO PLOCKINIC - portal DOSIJE.BA: Reaction regarding the article “The Croatian Republic Herzeg-Bosna – Still a Dream in Criminals’ Heads” published on 11.02.2013 on the portal Dosije.ba. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the article was removed from the portal Dosije.ba.

6. MS SABINA DEDIC – portal MUSIKPORTAL.COM: Complaint regarding the comment under the article “Sarajevo is Ready, are You: The First Gay Pride in Sarajevo in June” published on 01.04.2013 on the portal Muskiportal.com. Upon mediation of the Press Council and professional cooperation with editor in chief of the portal muskiportal.com, the contentious article and comments were removed from the portal musikportal.com.

7. MR. SALKO OPACIN - daily “OSLOBODJENJE”: Denial regarding the article “To a New History Through Lies”, written by Gojko Beric, published on 16.05.2013 in the daily “Oslobodjenje”. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the complainant’s denial was published on 12.06.2013 under the title “Oslobodjenje is Defaming both Me and SDA”

8. MR. TEODOR DARIVA - portal KLIX.BA: Complaint regarding the comment containing hate speech under the article “Why did Hague grant Amnesty to ‘The Scorpions’ and their Horrific Crimes in Srebrenica?” published on 30.05.2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH and professional cooperation with editor in chief of the portal klix.ba, the comments under the article have been removed, while the possibility of posting comments under the article has been disabled.

 

Complaints out of the Press Council in BiH’s jurisdiction:

 

1. PROF. DR. EMIR TURKUSIC - TV1.BA: Complaint regarding the recording of the show “I Choose the Guests with Jadranka Bajraktarevic” from 29.03.2013, published on the web site of the TV station TV1. The Press Council in BiH is not responsible for considering complaints regarding video content, published on TV stations’ web sites.

 

In 1 case the complainant withdrew from submitting a complaint:


1. MR. MEHMED VEJZOVIC - portal DNEVNIAVAZ.BA: Reaction regarding the article “Bakir’s Fingers are Involved in the Biggest Robberies of the People and the Government!” published on 07.04.2013 on the portal Dnevniavaz.ba. After the complainant was acquainted with the complaints procedure he withdrew the complaint.

 

 

55th Session: The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina held its fifty fifth session on 27.09.2013 during which it considered complaints on the writing of print and online media received in the period June - September 2013. The Press Council received a total of 37 complaints, out of which 15 were considered at the session.

The Complaints Commission upheld 6 complaints, where a breach of the Press Code of BiH was found.9 complaints were not upheldbecause no breach of the Press Code of BiH was found.

11 complaints were resolved through self-regulation, i.e. through publication of denials, reaction, correction, or apologies, or by removal of comments containing hate speech, incitement, discriminations or threats.

The Press Council in BiH received 7 complaints that were out of the jurisdiction of the self-regulatory body for print and online media, 1 complaint was not sent on time, and in 3 cases the complainants withdrew from further pursuing the complaints procedure.

 

Complaints upheld:

 

1. PUBLIC ENTERPRISE FEDERATION OF BIH RAILROADS - daily "DNEVNI AVAZ": Complaint regarding the article “Osmanagic in Monte Carlo, while the Workers are in the Soup Kitchen” published on 07.06.2013 in the daily “Dnevni Avaz”.The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 7 -Opportunity to Reply, and Article 15 - Complaints, of the Press Code of BiH.

2. MS. NEVENKA SUSAC - portal OTVORENO.BA: Complaint regarding the article “Stipe Prlic is Trying to Approach HDZ BiH” published on 20.06.2013 on the portal otvoreno.ba. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 7 - Opportunity to Reply, and Article 15 - Complaints, of the Press Code of BiH. 

3. MS. HASA OMEROVIC - portal FRONTAL.RS: Complaint from Ms. Hasa Omerovic regarding the article “Hasa Omerovic: ‘Mothers of Srebrenica’ - Association for Profit”, published on 11.07.2013 on the portal frontal.rs.The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 7 - Opportunity to Reply, and Article 15 - Complaints, of the Press Code of BiH. 

4. INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MIDDLE-EASTERN RELATIONS AND BALKAN STUDIES – portal DNEVNIAVAZ.BA: Complaint regarding the article “Conman and Extortionist who Launders Cash and Offends on Request”, published on the portal dnevniavaz.ba on 02.08.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 7 -Opportunity to Reply, Article 10 - Persons Charged with Criminal Offenses, and Article 15 -  Complaints, of the Press Code of BiH. 

5. INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MIDDLE-EASTERN RELATIONS AND BALKAN STUDIES – daily “DNEVNI AVAZ”:  Complaint regarding the article “Conman and Extortionist who Launders Cash and Offends on Request”, published in the daily “Dnevni Avaz” on 03.08.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 7 -Opportunity to Reply, Article 10 - Persons Charged with Criminal Offenses, and Article 15 -  Complaints, of the Press Code of BiH. 

6. MS SELMA UCANBARLIC – portal HERCEGBOSNA.ORG: Request for the published information to be fulfilled and for the publication of an apology regarding the article “Muslim Tourists Desecrated the Croatian Crest in Neum”, published on 17.08.2013 on the portal hercegbosna.org.The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 2 -Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 - Incitement, Article 4 - Discrimination, Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, Article 7 -  Opportunity to Reply, and Article 15 - Complaints, of the Press Code of BiH. 

 

Complaints not upheld because a breach of the Press Code of BiH was not found:

 

1. MR. IGOR BOBAN - daily “DNEVNI AVAZ": Complaint regarding the article “Osmanagic in Monte Carlo, while the Workers are in the Soup Kitchen” published on 07.06.2013 in the daily “Dnevni Avaz”. The Complaint Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH.

2. MR. LEO PLOCKINIC - portal DOSIJE.BA: Complaint regarding the article “Ustasha Separatist Portal ‘hercegbosna.org’ Report Was Reported to SIPA” published on 18.06.2013 on the portal dosije.ba.The Complaint Commission of the Press Council in BiH does not adjudicate on cases when the complainant has already initiated court proceedings.  

3. MR. LEO PLOCKINIC - portal DOSIJE.BA: Complaint regarding the article “FRONT: Plockinic and the Portal Herzeg-Bosnia are Calling for Muslim Children to be Cooked in Pork Grease” published on 19.06.2013 on the portal dosije.ba. The Complaint Commission of the Press Council in BiH does not adjudicate on cases when the complainant has already initiated court proceedings. 

4. MR. LEO PLOCKINIC - portal DOSIJE.BA: Complaint regarding the article “Leo Plockinic Set Fire to a Hospital in Bihac?” published on the portal dosije.ba on 30.07.2013.

The Complaint Commission of the Press Council in BiH does not adjudicate on cases when the complainant has already initiated court proceedings.

5. MR. DANIJEL SENKIC - portal CROPORTAL.BA: Complaint regarding the article “MUFLON Danijel Senkic left Messages on HB.org, falsely Reported Threats and Earned a MISDEMEANOR CHARGE and a DEFAMATION SUIT” published on 18.06.2012 on the portal croportal.ba. The Complaint Commission of the Press Council in BiH does not adjudicate on cases when the complainant has already initiated court proceedings. 

6. MR. HAKIJA DJOZIC – daily “DNEVNI AVAZ“: Reaction regarding the article “Auction for the Sale of the Water Company’s Building on September 5th”, published in the daily “Dnevni Avaz” on 23.08.2013. The Complaint Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

7. FEDERAL CIVIL PROTECTION AUTHORITY – daily “DNEVNI AVAZ“: Denial regarding the article “Alija Tihic/ He is Hibernating!” published in the daily “Dnevni Avaz” on 10.08.2013.The Complaint Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH.

8. INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MIDDLE-EASTERN RELATIONS AND BALKAN STUDIES – daily “DNEVNI AVAZ”: Complaint regarding the article “Becirevic and Dervisevic, IFIMES…” published in the daily “Dnevni Avaz” on 06.08.2013, in the section “SMS Dnevni Avaz”. The Complaint Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 

9. INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MIDDLE-EASTERN RELATIONS AND BALKAN STUDIES – portal DNEVNIAVAZ.BA: Complaint regarding the article “Becirevic and Dervisevic, IFIMES…” published on the portal dnevniavaz.ba on 06.08.2013, in the section “SMS Dnevni Avaz”. The Complaint Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH. 


Complaints resolved through self-regulation, i.e. through publications of denials, reactions, corrections or apologies, or through the removal of visitors’ comments containing hate speech, discrimination and incitement:

 

1. MR. ASIM KAMBER - portal BISCANI.NET: Reaction to the article “Asim, I am Asim, but fortunately I am not Kamber!” published on 06.06.2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the reaction was published on the portal biscani.net on 07.06.2013 under the title “Reaction to the Mail where the Driver of the USK Government Asim Mukanovic responds to statements of Asim Kamber”.

2. MS. DRAGANA JANKOVIC - daily "OSLOBODJENJE": Reaction regarding the article "Vandals Destroyed two Trees in Otoka" published on 14.06.2013 in the daily "Oslobodjenje". Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, Ms. Jankovic's reaction was published on 09.07.2013 in the daily "Oslobodjenje" under the title "It was not Otoka, it was Cengic Vila 2"

3. MS. NEVENKA SUSAC - portal JAVNO.BA: Complaint regarding the article “Stipe Prlic is Trying to Approach HDZ BiH” published on 20.06.2013 on the portal javno.ba. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, Ms. Nevenka Susac’s denial was published on the portal javno.ba on 19.07.2013 under the title “Nevenka Susac’s Complaint”.

4. MASTER COPPERSMITHS FROM BASCARSIJA - daily "OSLOBODJENJE": Complaint from the Master Coppersmiths from Bascarsija, Mr. Adnan Ferhatovic, Mr. Elvir and Edin Aganovic, Mr. Muhamed Husejnovic, Mr. Ismet Husejnovic, Mr. Ismir Husejnovic, Mr. Vedad Brkanic, Mr. Namik Husejnovic, Mr. Sakib Bascausevic and Mr. Zijad Bascausevic, regarding the article "Street Museum", published on   24.06.2013 in the daily "Oslobodjenje“. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the reaction titled "Only Coppersmiths from Bascarsija make Authentic Bosnian Coffee Pots" published on 02.07.2013 in the daily "Oslobodjenje".

5. PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF BIH - magazine "SLOBODNA BOSNA": Denial to the article “Parliamentary Delegation of BiH through 27,000 KM to the Wind”, published on 04.07.2013 in the magazine “Slobodna Bosna”. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the denial from the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH was published in the magazine “Slobodna Bosna” on 18.07.2013 under the title “Only Penalties for Reserved and Unrealized Plane Tickets amounting to 3,673 KM Were Paid.”

6. INTERVENTION OF THE PRESS COUNCIL IN BIH - portal KLIX.BA: Intervention of the Press Council in BiH due to hate speech in visitor comments under the article “Lijanovic: They are trying to remove Me from the Political Scene” published on 03.07.2013 on the portal klix.ba. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the comments were removed from the portal and the visitor’s access was permanently denied.

7. PUBLIC ENTERPRISE "CENTRE FOR SPORT AND RECREATION" - daily "OSLOBODJENJE": Denial to the article "The Director is Trying to Keep her Chair by Changing the Rulebook", published 05.07.2013, in the daily "Oslobodjenje". Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the denial from the public enterprise "Centre for Sport and Recreation" was published on 11.07.2013 under the title "The Director did not make any Illegal Moves" in the daily "Oslobodjenje".

8. PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF BIH - daily “DNEVNI LIST”: Denial regarding the article “Tihic and Prodanovic got 12,000 Marks for the Deaths of their Mothers” published in the daily “Dnevni List”.Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the denial of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH was published in the daily “Dnevni List” on 01.08.2013 under the title “False Facts about the Compensations paid to Tihic and Prodanovic”.

9. CITIZENS’ COMPLAINT - portal DNEVNIAVAZ.BA: Complaint due to hate speech in portal visitor comments under the article “They Lured Homosexuals to Have Sex then they Rob them”, published on the portal dnevniavaz.ba on 05.08.2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the contentious comments were removed from under the article.  

10. MR. NEDZAD ABDIC - portal DOZNAJEMO.COM:  Complaint due to the copying of the article “Unusual Phenomenon not remembered even by the oldest inhabitants of Kiseljak: A Chary blossomed in Mid-August” and the photograph from the portal znamo.ba, without an indication that the article and photo were copied and that Mr. Dzemal Softic was the author of the article. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the portal znamo.ba  was cited as the source of the article. 

11. MINISTRY OF JUSTICE OF BIH - daily “GLAS SRPSKE: Complaint regarding the manner of publishing the denial titled “False Claims about the Purchase of Uniforms” on 07.08.2013 in the daily “Glas Srpske”. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the denial of the Ministry of Defense of BiH was published in the daily “Glas Srpske”, 17 and 18.08.2013 edition, under the title “Parts of the Audit Report Inaccurately Presented”

 

Complaints out of the jurisdiction of the Press Council in BiH:


1. SYNDICATE OF THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF THE TUZLA CANTON - FEDERAL TELEVISION: Complaint regarding information published in the show “Dnevnik II” on 06.11.2012. The Press Council in BiH is not responsible for contents published in electronic media.

2. MR. DANIJEL SENKIC - forum HERCEGBOSNA.ORG: Complaint regarding the topic “Danijel Senkic - Sadist Psycho whose Brain invented ‘Burning Babies in Boiling Oil”, posted on the forum hercegbosna.org. The Press Council in BiH is not responsible for the content of internet forums.

3. MS. AIDA SEHAGIC - FACEBOOK PAGE OF THE NEWS AT 7, HAYAT TV:  Complaint regarding the comment posted on the FB page of the News at 7. . The Press Council in BiH is not responsible for contents published on social media.

4. CITIZEN’S COMPLAINT - portal TIP.BA: Request for the removal of comments posted by the complainant under the article “How many Illegal Weapons are there on the Streets of Tuzla?”, published on the portal tip.ba on 05.08.2013. The complainant was informed that the Press Council in BiH cannot mediate towards the portal tip.ba with a request for removal of comments posted by the complainant, being that every web portal visitor is responsible for the content of comments he or she posts.

5. MR. GORAN PUDAR - RADIO OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA:  Complaint regarding the content of the radio-show “Dnevnik”, broadcast on the Radio of the Republic of Srpska on 14.08.2013. The complainant was informed the Press Council in BiH is not responsible for considering complaints relating to contents of electronic media.

6. MR. DZEMAL ALIHODZIC - forum of the daily "NEZAVISNE NOVINE":  Complaint due to “war-inciting speech” on the forum of the daily “Nezavisne Novine” under the topic “Revenge”. The Press Council in BiH is not responsible for contents published on forums.

7. MR. TIHOMIR BRADVICA - portal LJUBUSKI-VJESNIK.COM: Request for identification of the author of the article “A Criminal Suit was filed against T.B. from Ljubuski!”, published on 19.08.2013 on the portal ljubuski-vijesnik.com. The complainant was advised to turn to the police.

 

Complaints not sent on time:


1. MS. MIRJANA KRAMAR - magazine "DANI": Request for the removal of an article published on 2002 in the magazine “Dani”. The deadline for submitting complaints in one month for dailies and online media, and two months for magazines, counting from the date of publication of the article

 

In 3 cases the complainants withdrew from submitting a complaint:

 

1. MS. JELENA PAUNOVIC - portal BHMAGAZIN.COM: The Press Council in BiH received a complaint from Ms. Jelena Paunovic regarding the article “Animal Protection, Business or Love?” published on the portal bhmagazin.com on 24.07.2013. The complainant withdrew from further procedure to court procedures. 

2. MR. DZEVAD SARAC - portal GLASSRPSKE.COM: Reaction of Mr. Dzevad Sarac regarding the article “The Goal of the Hostage Crises was the OHR Interventions”, published on the portal glassrpske.com on 07.06.2013. After acquainting the complainant with the complaints procedure he stopped communicating with the Press Council in BiH.

3. MS. LEMANA TERZIMEHIC - portal AVAZ.BA:  Complaint regarding the article of the title “Woman from Banjaluka wed a Black on the Drina”, published on the portal avaz.ba on 09.09.2013. After advising the complainant to turn to the editorial staff of the portal avaz.ba, she stopped communication with the Press Council in BiH.

 

 

56th Session: The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina held its fifty sixth session on 20.12.2013 during which it considered complaints on the writing of print and online media received in the period October - December 2013. The Press Council received a total of 32 complaints during this period.

The Complaints Commission upheld 9 complaints, where a breach of the Press Code of BiH was found. 1 complaint was not upheldbecause no breach of the Press Code of BiH was found. The Complaints Commission did not consider 7 complaints. 

12 complaints were resolved through self-regulation, i.e. through publication of denials, reaction, correction, or apologies, or by removal of comments containing hate speech, incitement, discriminations or threats.

The Press Council in BiH received 2 complaints that were out of the jurisdiction of the self-regulatory body for print and online media, 1 complaint was not sent on time, and in 1 case the complainant withdrew from further pursuing the complaints procedure.

 

Complaints upheld:


1. MR. MISO RELOTA - portal JAVNO.BA: Complaint regarding the article "Misjudgment: Instead of Politicians, they started breaking their Cars," published on 21.10.2013 on the portal javno.ba.The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 2 -Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 - Incitement, and Article 4 - Discrimination, of the Press Code of BiH. 

2. MR. EDIN RAZANICA - portal DINA.BA: Complaint regarding the article “Once Upon a Time he was the Bravest Policeman in the District, Today he is a Shoemaker!” taken from the portal otisak.ba without citing the source. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 14 -Copyright and Author's Rights, of the Press Code of BiH.

3. MS. MAJA KIUK - portal SAFF.BA: Complaint regarding the article “Coordinated Attack of the Faggots against Saff” published on the portal saff.ba on 12.11.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 2 -Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 - Incitement, Article 4 - Discrimination, Article 4a - Gender Equality and Respect of Individuality, Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, and Article 8 - Misrepresentation, of the Press Code of BiH. 

4. MR. ADNAN HANIC - portal SAFF.BA: Complaint regarding the article Saff” published on the portal saff.ba on 12.11.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 2 -Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 - Incitement, Article 4 - Discrimination, Article 4a - Gender Equality and Respect of Individuality, Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, and Article 8 - Misrepresentation, of the Press Code of BiH. 

5. MS. VLADANA VASIC - portal SAFF.BA: Complaint regarding the article Saff“ published on the portal saff.ba on 12.11.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 2 -Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 - Incitement, Article 4 - Discrimination, Article 4a - Gender Equality and Respect of Individuality, Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, and Article 8 - Misrepresentation, of the Press Code of BiH. 

6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ONAuBIH - portal SAFF.BA: Complaint regarding the article Saff“ published on the portal saff.ba on 12.11.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 2 -Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 - Incitement, Article 4 - Discrimination, Article 4a - Gender Equality and Respect of Individuality, Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, and Article 8 - Misrepresentation, of the Press Code of BiH. 

7. "VESTA" CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATION - portal SAFF.BA: Complaint regarding the article Saff“ published on the portal saff.ba on 12.11.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 2 -Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 - Incitement, Article 4 - Discrimination, Article 4a - Gender Equality and Respect of Individuality, Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, and Article 8 - Misrepresentation, of the Press Code of BiH. 

8. MR. ADIS SUSNJAR - daily "NEZAVISNE NOVINE": Reaction regarding the article “Serbs are not responsible for World War 1”, published on 14.11.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting of the Press Code of BiH.

9. MS. VANJA STOKIC - portal BRCANKA.BA:  Complaint due to hate speech in the article “Brcko’s Confessions” published on 15.11.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of Article 2 - Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 - Incitement, and Article 4 - Discrimination, of the Press Code of BiH.

 

Complaint not upheld because a breach of the Press Code of BiH was not found:

 

 1. MR. MIDHAD VELAGIC - portal LIVNO-ONLINE.COM: Complaint regarding the article “Who is Protecting us? A Policeman is Spreading Religious Hate on Facebook”, published on 18.09.2013 on the portal livno-online.com. The Complaintsof the Press Council in BiH did not find any breaches of the Press Code of BiH.  

 

Complaints not considered:

1. MR. STEFAN PEJOVIC - portal NOVINAR.ME: Complaint regarding the article “Journalist Amila Loncaric was attacked by Rabid Dogs”, published on the portal novinar.me, on 29.10.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not consider the complaint being that the article in question is not a journalism article. 

2. MS. LIDIJA PISKER - portal NOVINAR.ME: Complaint regarding the article “Journalist Amila Loncaric was attacked by Rabid Dogs”, published on the portal novinar.me, on 29.10.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not consider the complaint being that the article in question is not a journalism article. 

3. MS. ADELA COMIC - portal NOVINAR.ME: Complaint regarding the article “Journalist Amila Loncaric was attacked by Rabid Dogs”, published on the portal novinar.me, on 29.10.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not consider the complaint being that the article in question is not a journalism article. 

4. MS. ELMA MURIC - portal NOVINAR.ME: Complaint regarding the article “Journalist Amila Loncaric was attacked by Rabid Dogs”, published on the portal novinar.me, on 29.10.2013. The Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH did not consider the complaint being that the article in question is not a journalism article. 

5. MS. SELMA RIZVIC - daily “DNEVNI AVAZ”: Ms. Selma Rizvic turned to the Press Council in BiH, submitting the reaction of Mr. Fatmir Alispahic, regarding the Article “Journalist of the Magazine ‘Dani’ is the Target of Racist Propaganda”, published on 08.12.2013 in the daily “Dnevni Avaz”. Being that the complaint was sent by a person whom does not have any personal interest in doing so, nor who has been empowered to do so by Mr. Fatmir Alispahic, the author of the reaction. 

6. MS. SELMA RIZVIC - portal OSLOBODJENJE.BA: Ms. Selma Rizvic turned to the Press Council in BiH, submitting the reaction of Mr. Fatmir Alispahic, regarding the Article “Journalist of the Magazine ‘Dani’ is the Target of Racist Propaganda”, published on 07.12.2013 on the portal oslobodjenje.ba. Being that the complaint was sent by a person whom does not have any personal interest in doing so, nor who has been empowered to do so by Mr. Fatmir Alispahic, the author of the reaction. 

7. MR. HARIS BADZIC - portal FEDERALNA.BA: Complaint due to the usage of the photograph by the portal federalna.ba without consent of the authors, Mr. Badzic. The complaint was sent after the expiration of the period during which the Press Council in BiH can consider complaints. 

Complaints resolved through self-regulation, i.e. through publications of denials, reactions, corrections or apologies, or through the removal of visitors’ comments containing hate speech, discrimination and incitement:

 

1. MR. ALEKSANDAR BREZAR - portal KLIX.BA: Complaint about the comment containing hate speech, posted by the visitor nicked caco_karburator. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH and the professional cooperation with editor in chief, the comments containing hate speech were removed from the portal, while the visitor caco_karburator was permanently disabled from entering the portal klix.ba. 

2. REACTION OF THE PRESS COUNCIL IN BIH - portal MAGAZIN.BA: Intervention of the Press Council in BiH regarding the violation of the right to privacy of persons shown in the photograph. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the article and photograph were removed from the portal and the reaction was published.

3. MS. SABIHA MISKIN - daily "OSLOBODJENJE": Complaint regarding the article “Zekovic accuses Miskin of Nepotism,” published on 04.10.2013 in the daily “Oslobodjenje”. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, Ms. Miskin denial was published in the daily “Oslobodjenje” on 16.10.2013 under the title, “The Dobrinja Gymnasium is the Brightest Example of the Defense of BiH”. 

4. MS. BORKA RUDIC - portal KLIX.BA: Complaint regarding the comment containing hate speech, below the article “Incident in the Mediacenter: They barged into the Presentation and told the Participants that they were not Normal,” published on the portal klix.ba on 11.10.2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH and professional reaction from the editor of the portal klix.ba, the comments under the article were removed and their author was banned.

5. DARKO HORVAT PHD – daily "GLAS SRPSKE": Denial regarding the article “The Minister is Obstructing Treatment of Returnees,” published in the daily “Glas Srpske”, 19 and 20.10.2013 edition.  Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the denial of Darko Horvat PhD was published in the 26 and 27.10.2013 edition of the daily “Glas Srpske” under the title “I am not the Cause of the Government Crisis.”

6. MR. EDIN RAZANICA - portal BALKANDZIJE.NET: Complaint due to the copying of part of the article from the portal otisak.ba without the source's consent. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, under the article “The Bravest Policemen in Brcko started Shaking and crying: His Boss allegedly started Laughing at him, finally he wound up…” the portal otisak.ba was signed.

7. MR. STIPO KULIS - portal AVAZ.BA: Denial regarding the article “Protests because of the New Query near Livno”, published on 31.10.2013 on the portal avaz.ba.Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, Mr. Kulis’s denial was published on the portal avaz.ba on 01.11.2013 under the title “I am not Stjepan but Stipo Kulis.”

8. PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF BIH - magazine "SLOBODNA BOSNA": Reaction regarding the article “Official Passat of the BiH Parliament was ‘found’ in the SDP Club of Delegates”, published on 10.11.2013 in the magazine “Slobodna Bosna”.Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH the reaction of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH was published under the title “It is not true that the SDP Club of Delegates was given an official car of the PABiH to use”, in the 14.11.2013 edition of the magazine “Slobodna Bosna”

9. MR. ADNAN DZONLIC - forum KLIX.BA: Complaint regarding posts of visitors of the portal klix.ba, under the topic “Zenicani”. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the topic “Zenicani” was removed from the forum.

10. BiH PROSECUTION - magazine "SLOBODNA BOSNA": Denial regarding statements from the article "Goran Salihovic favors his Councilors, the son  of the Constitutional Judge Miodrag Simovic is also on the List” published on 14.11.2013 in the magazine “Slobodna Bosna”. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH, the Prosecution’s denial was published under the title “Goran Salihovic received nearly the highest Mark in the Competition for the Main Prosecutor of the BiH Prosecution and has absolutely no Influence on the Nomination of New Prosecutors in the BiH Prosecution”.

11. CITIZEN'S COMPLAINT - portal BANJALUKA.COM: Complaint due to hate speech in a comment, posted on the portal banjaluka.com, under the article “Interruption in Sarajevo” published on 25.09.2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH and professional cooperation with the editor in chief of the portal banjaluka.com, the contentious comment was removed, and the visitor with the Facebook name Aldin Mulic, was permanently blocked from the portal banjaluka.com.

12. REACTION OF THE PRESS COUNCIL IN BIH - portal KLIX.BA: Comments containing hate speech under the article “The President of the Association Romas’ European Road was Brutally Beaten”, published on the portal klix.ba on 08.12.2013. Upon mediation of the Press Council in BiH and professional cooperation with the editor of the portal klix.ba, the comments containing hate speech were removed, and the visitors who posted them were permanently disabled from posting comments. 

 

Complaints out of the jurisdiction of the Press Council in BiH:

 

1. RADIO MOSTAR - RADIO HERCEG-BOSNE: Complaint regarding the program “Mostar Panorama”. The Press Council in BiH is not responsible for contents broadcast in electronic media.

2. HDZ LIVNO - RADIO LIVNO:  Complaint regarding the recording of the show broadcast on the radio-station Radio Livno. The Press Council in BiH is not responsible for contents broadcast in electronic media.

 

In one case the complaint was withdrawn:


1. MR. DENIS SULIC - portal SPORTSPORT.BA:  Complaint regarding the article “This is how you love Bosnia”. After informing the complainant about the complaints procedure, he stopped correspondence with the Press Council in BiH.

 

 

 

Urgent session: Due to the 42 complaints sent from citizens and representatives of the non-government sector, regarding the article “Faggotness amongst Children” published on the portal saff.ba on 10.11.2013, the Complaints Commission of the Press Council in BiH found breach of the  General Provisions, Article 2 - Editorial Responsibility, Article 3 -Incitement, Article 4 - Discrimination, Article 4a - Gender Equality and Respect of Individuality, Article 5 - Accuracy and Fair Reporting, Article 8 - Misrepresentation, of the Press Code of BiH.

 

Sessions of the Complaints Commission