Sarajevo, April 3, 2026 – The Steering Committee of the BH Journalists Association and the Free Media Help Line (FMHL) express deep concern over information indicating that a car bomb, seized in January in the area of Milići, was – according to operational intelligence of law enforcement agencies – intended for the assassination of journalist and editor of the Istraga.ba portal, Avdo Avdić.

The Steering Committee of BH Journalists welcomes the professional and responsible response of the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska, which shared this information in a timely manner with other law enforcement agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the subsequent actions taken by the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), the Federal Police Administration and the Ministry of Interior of Sarajevo Canton. We consider it particularly important that the competent institutions exchanged operational data and informed journalist Avdić himself, which represents an example of responsible conduct in ensuring the safety of journalists.

At the same time, we strongly criticize the decisions of the District Public Prosecutor’s Office in East Sarajevo and the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office to release individuals involved in the transport of an explosive device potentially intended for the killing of a journalist, subject to prohibitive measures imposed by the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office. We consider such decisions to be wholly inadequate and dangerous, as they minimize the gravity of the criminal offence and send a deeply troubling message of impunity when it comes to threats against journalists’ lives. It is particularly alarming that, in a case involving the possible planning of an assassination of a journalist, judicial institutions failed to recognize the need for stricter measures, including ordering detention, thereby further endangering not only Avdo Avdić but, indirectly, all journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BH Journalists call on the competent judicial institutions to urgently review these decisions and ensure that this case is treated with the full seriousness it requires. We expect an efficient, thorough and impartial investigation that will result in the prosecution of all those responsible.

We further demand that all relevant law enforcement agencies, without delay, ensure full and continuous protection of the safety of journalist Avdo Avdić and his family members. Any failure in this regard would be unacceptable and would constitute direct responsibility of the institutions.

Attacks and threats against journalists must not and will not be tolerated. Attempts to intimidate the media and endanger the safety of journalists must be met with a clear, decisive and unequivocal response from state institutions.

The BH Journalists Association and the Free Media Help Line will continue to insist on institutional accountability and adequate protection of journalists’ rights and will closely monitor the development of this case, about which we will also inform international organizations and diplomatic missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Steering Committee of the BH Journalists Association