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Alert

Media representatives receive death threats following coverage of "Queer Festival"

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a press release by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

IPI/SEEMO Alarmed at Death Threats Against Media Representatives in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Vienna, 29 September 2008

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is concerned about death threats against several media representatives in Bosnia.

According to information before SEEMO, several media representatives from eFM Studentski Radio, Radio Sarajevo, BH Radio and the magazine Dani received death threat letters following media coverage of the "Queer Festival", which was held in Sarajevo from 24-28 September 2008 and focused on the issues of identity, sexuality and human rights.

Commenting on this incident, SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic stated, "It is unacceptable that media representatives fall victim to intimidation and harassment simply for doing their jobs." He further said that "a free media, educating the public and raising awareness of diversity, is an important benchmark for a modern democratic society."

SEEMO is a regional network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South East Europe.