During 2025, the MapMF database recorded 25 cases of media freedom violations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, affecting 45 journalists and media organizations, representing a significant increase compared to the previous year.

The most common form of pressure consisted of verbal attacks, while cases of obstruction of journalistic work, legal proceedings, physical assaults, and attacks on property were also documented. Particular concern arises from the fact that some verbal attacks came from public officials, including the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, who referred to independent media as “criminals,” as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elmedin Konaković, who publicly discredited certain media outlets.

The report also documents threats, intimidation, and physical attacks against journalists, as well as legal proceedings initiated following investigative reporting, which further burdens media work. Cases were also recorded in which media crews were removed from events, access to information was restricted, and journalists were physically attacked and their equipment damaged. As an additional indicator of the deterioration of media pluralism, the report highlights the closure of the Sarajevo bureau of Al Jazeera Balkans after 14 years of operation, pointing to the complex challenges facing the country’s media landscape.

The full report in English is available here.