The SafeJournalists Network demands that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Elmedin Konaković, cease targeting journalists and media outlets through video content posted on his Facebook profile and other social media platforms.

On Saturday, October 4, Minister Konaković published a video clip in which he engages in an inappropriate and manipulative conversation with Evelin Trako, the editor-in-chief of Dnevni Avaz. In a style resembling that of a social media influencer, Konaković attempts to discredit the editor and the media outlet as part of his personal political conflict with Dnevni Avaz’s owner, Fahrudin Radončić. In a similar manner, unbecoming of a government minister, Konaković has in recent months posted video statements and offensive comments on social media directed at journalists and editors of the portals Istraga, Slobodna Bosna, Politički.ba, and the television channel Hayat, misusing his public office to exert political pressure and engage in online harassment of these media outlets and their journalists.

The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns targeted political pressure on media and journalists via social media and calls on Minister Konaković to conduct public communication with the media within the bounds of respectful and professional dialogue. Responses to media content should be in accordance with the journalistic code of ethics and the legal framework governing the work of the media and journalists.

At the same time, the SafeJournalists Network reminds Elmedin Konaković that his role as the leader of the People and Justice party (Narod i pravda) and as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH includes public accountability for his statements, which does not end once he steps out of his office. In this context, Konaković’s targeting of Dnevni Avaz, as well as other media outlets that do not align with his views, is entirely unacceptable—particularly his use of political followers to lead coordinated smear campaigns and spread hostility against specific media outlets and journalists. It is telling that such behavior has persisted for years without any legal consequences or public condemnation.

Once again, the SafeJournalists Network joins the BH Journalists Association in demanding that Elmedin Konaković respect media freedom and the integrity of journalists and editors, emphasizing that Konaković’s political and public actions—often directed against press freedom—must be brought in line with democratic values and European standards of freedom of expression.

Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, October 6, 2025

Croatian Journalists’ Association

Association of Journalists of Kosovo

Association of Journalists of Macedonia

BH Journalists Association

Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia

Trade Union of Media of Montenegro

Association of Professional Journalists of Albania

The source: IJAS

Photo by: Canva