Sarajevo, April 1, 2026 – The BH Journalists Association and the Free Media Help Line (FMHL) strongly condemn the verbal attack, defamation and insults directed by Kemal S. Beganović, advisor to the member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željko Komšić, at journalist and Federal Television (FTV) correspondent from Washington, Ivica Puljić. In several posts on the social network X, Beganović referred to Puljić as a “worn-out cameraman” and a “proponent of UZP ideology,” thereby targeting the journalist and attempting to undermine both his professional and personal integrity.
The Steering Committee of BH Journalists finds it particularly unacceptable that Željko Komšić’s advisor, through his statements, has in a brutal and manipulative manner placed journalist Puljić and his ethnic background within the context of an ideology associated with war crimes committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, for which perpetrators and those who ordered them were tried and convicted before the Hague Tribunal. Associating journalist Puljić with convicted war criminals constitutes not only an attack on his professional life but also an inappropriate promotion of ethnic intolerance and hatred directed at him.
Verbal attacks, insults, and attempts to discredit journalists represent a direct assault on media freedom and the public’s right to accurate and professional information. Beganović’s statements are not only a threat and an incitement of hatred toward an individual journalist, but also constitute an open attempt to discredit and exert political pressure on FTV as the public broadcaster of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It is particularly concerning that such inappropriate and unacceptable public conduct comes from an individual holding a responsible position within the Presidency of BiH. Public officials and their advisors have a duty to contribute through their conduct to a culture of dialogue, respect for professional standards and the protection of media freedom – not to incite pressure and hate speech against journalists.
BH Journalists once again emphasize that the public space, including social media, cannot and must not serve as a platform for unpunished hate speech and the targeting of journalists and media professionals. Such statements may have serious consequences for the safety of media workers, especially when they originate from individuals who possess political influence and institutional power.
The BH Journalists Association calls on Presidency member Željko Komšić and his office to clearly distance themselves from Beganović’s statements and to take appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. We also appeal to all public officials to respect the dignity of the journalistic profession and to enable the unhindered work of media professionals.
BH Journalists and the Free Media Help Line will continue to monitor this case, inform the relevant domestic and international institutions, and provide ongoing support to journalists exposed to pressure and attacks due to their professional work.
Steering Committee of the BH Journalists Association
