Concern after journalist reports being struck in head

Police officer allegedly attacks Bosnia and Herzegovina reporter

VIENNA, 6 February 2014 - The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), today said it was concerned about reports that a police officer in Bosnia and Herzegovina struck a journalist in the head with a baton.

A local police officer in Tuzla allegedly struck Branislav Pavicic of RTV Slon on 5 February near the entrance to the Tuzla Canton government building. Reports said that Pavicic, who was present with other journalists to report on a demonstration, was readily identifiable as a journalist, as he was wearing a press badge and carrying a camera.

"I call on authorities to take swift action against the police officer who attacked Branislav Pavicic," SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic said. "The journalist, who was doing his job reporting from a protest, was injured and could not complete his assignment as a result of this attack. Additionally, I call on authorities in Tuzla to better educate police officers on how to treat journalists who are present at protests in their professional capacity."

ENDS

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