Sarajevo, April 27, 2026 – The Steering Committee of the BH Journalists Association strongly condemns the public discrediting and targeting of Senada Mujezinović, a reporter for the magazine Mreža of Federal Television (FTV), actions which have been instigated by the mayor of the Municipality of Jezero, Snežana Ružičić.

Following the broadcast of a professionally produced segment on Mreža program of FTV, addressing geological research in the areas of Šipovo and Jezero – featuring all relevant stakeholders, including representatives of competent institutions, local authorities, investors, as well as citizens and activists, mayor Ružičić used Facebook and Instagram to accuse journalist Mujezinović of unprofessional and unethical reporting. In a video titled “Stop Media Violence – We Are in Our Own Yard!”, Ružičić delivered a series of messages implying that journalists have no place operating within “her” municipality.

The Steering Committee of BH Journalists emphasizes that it is unacceptable for elected officials to use social media as a platform to confront journalists, rather than addressing their concerns through transparent and legally grounded procedures. Such practices not only undermine public trust in institutions and their representatives, but also intensify pressure on media outlets reporting on matters of public interest, including geological research in the Municipality of Jezero.

Particularly concerning is the fact that mayor Ružičić has, over an extended period, resorted to publicly labeling and targeting journalists reporting on geological research in this municipality. The continuity of such rhetoric indicates a troubling pattern in the Mayor’s relationship with journalists and the media, in which critical and professional reporting is persistently delegitimized rather than challenged through reasoned argument. The Steering Committee of BH Journalists reminds that public office, such as the position of mayor, entails a higher degree of tolerance toward public criticism, as well as increased responsibility toward safeguarding freedom of expression and media work—not attempts to discredit them or suggest that they are “unwelcome” in certain territories.

In this context, BH Journalists once again call on Snežana Ružičić and all public office holders to refrain from rhetoric that may generate additional pressure on journalists and media organizations, and to conduct communication with the media in accordance with professional standards and the principles of a democratic society. At the same time, we express full support for journalist Senada Mujezinović and the editorial team of the Mreža program and Federal Television, with a clear message that their work must be protected from political pressure.

The Steering Committee of BH Journalists will continue to monitor this case and, in line with its mandate, respond to all forms of pressure and threats to media freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Steering Committee of the BH Journalists Association